Gaming machine, game control method and game system

ABSTRACT

A gaming machine of the present invention includes: output means capable of outputting an image or a sound; winning combination determination means for determining a winning combination by a lottery; means for generating a first special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player when the determined winning combination is a special winning combination; means for, when the number of games accumulatively counted each time a game is played reaches a set value that is an object of comparison with the number of games and that is selected from plural candidate values determined stepwise in advance, generating a second special game state that is a game state advantageous to a player and in which a degree of advantage corresponding to the set value is determined; and means for notifying that the second special game state has been generated based on the set value by outputting an image or a sound with the output means when the second special game state is generated.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of priority based on PCT/JP2005/015797filed on Aug. 30, 2005. The contents of this application areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a slot machinein which a game is conducted using a game media (game valuable) such asa coin and the like, a game control method for the gaming machine, and agame system comprising the gaming machine and a control device.

2. Discussion of the Background

Conventionally, in a facility in which gaming machines such as a slotmachine are installed, a game is played by inserting various kinds ofgame media such as a coin, cash and the like into a gaming machine. Eachgaming machine pays out a dividend to a player according to a prizewining state (a result of playing the game) generated while the game isin progress.

In a casino where plural slot machines are installed, a credit spent ineach slot machine is partly reserved and in a case where the reservationreaches a predetermined amount, one of the slot machines provides aso-called “jackpot” paying out a big amount, which is not paid out in anordinary hit (JP-A 2003-117053). In such slot machines, a hit in eachmachine usually occurs on a preset probability and a player advances agame with expectation of the hit to be encountered. One of the slotmachines has a chance to hit a jackpot at a timing in a lotterydifferent from a common lottery in which a hit based on theabove-mentioned probability is set in the slot machines. Generally,plural casinos are interconnected in a network in order to increase apayout amount in a jackpot.

Furthermore, a system has been available in which a host computer andplural gaming machines are interconnected on a network and thegenerating of a bonus in the gaming machines is controlled by the hostcomputer (U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,459). In this system, not only is thenumber of coins inserted into each gaming machine added up, but part ofa total number of inserted coins in the plural gaming machines areseparately added up as a bonus pool. The host computer gives a bonusqualification to a gaming machine in which the number of inserted coinsreaches a predetermined number. The host computer transmits a command toone gaming machine selected from gaming machines having bonusqualification, when a value of the bonus pool reaches a predeterminedthreshold value. The gaming machine which received the command isenabled to play a bonus game high in gambling characteristic.

In a slot machine described in JP-A 2003-117053, however, it is a playerwho plays a game in a gaming machine selected in a lottery that enjoys aprofit from a jackpot. Hence, there has arisen a case where a playerhaving spent many coins cannot enjoy a jackpot at all, but anotherplayer who has just started the game acquires a jackpot profit.

In the system described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,459 as well, a chance toacquire the profit of a bonus game is one of gaming machines in which atotal number of inserted coins reaches a predetermined number. A chanceto acquire the profit of a bonus game is not always given to a playerhaving spent many coins. Therefore, in the system described in U.S. Pat.No. 5,820,459, there has arisen a case where a player having spent manycoins cannot secure the profit of a bonus game and another player whohas just started the game acquires a bonus game profit, in a similar wayto that in a slot machine described in JP-A 2003-117053.

In the system described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,459, part of the numberof inserted coins in each of plural gaming machines is added up as abonus pool. Hence, in a case where an operation rate of the gamingmachines in the system is low, a player, who has spent many of coins,has had a possibility not to be rewarded by the profit of a bonus gamesince the value of the bonus pool does not reaches a predeterminedthreshold value. Moreover, since the bonus game in the system describedin U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,459 is high in gambling characteristic, there hasarisen a case where the profit of the bonus game cannot be acquiredsufficiently by a player, even when he is given a chance capable ofacquiring the profit.

If such circumstances occur, a player who has spent many coins may feelunpleasant against the game, build up distrust thereto, or lose interestin or a concern on the game.

The contents of JP-A 2003-117053 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,459 areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been made in light of the above-mentionedproblems and it is an object of the present invention to provide: agaming machine capable of preventing a player who has spent many of thegame media such as coins from feeling unpleasant against a game,building up a distrust thereto, or losing interest in or a concern onthe game; a game control method related to the gaming machine; and agaming machine system equipped with the gaming machine and a controldevice.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present inventionprovides the following configuration.

(1) A gaming machine comprising:

winning combination determining means for determining a winningcombination by a lottery;

means for generating a first special game state that is a game stateadvantageous to a player when the determined winning combination is aspecial winning combination; and

means for, when a condition that the number of games accumulativelycounted each time a game is played reaches a set value set as an objectof comparison with the number of games is established, generating asecond special game state that is a game state advantageous to a playerand is generated only when said condition is established.

According to the configuration (1), when a condition that the number ofgames reaches a set value set as an object of comparison with the numberof games is established, the second special game state that is a gamestate advantageous to a player and is generated only in case of theestablishment of said condition is generated. Therefore, even if thefirst special game state is not generated for a long period of timeleading to the spending of many of the game media, the second specialgame state is generated as long as the game is played such that thenumber of games reaches the set value, thus a player can make profit forplaying the game. In addition, since the second special game state isgenerated only when the above condition is established, an impressioncan be made on the player that a return is carried out as a result ofplaying the game until the number of games reaches the set value, andthe player take more interest in the game. As a result, it can beprevented for a player who has spent many of the game media from feelingunpleasant against the game, building up distrust thereto, or losinginterest in or a concern on the game.

Further, the present invention provides the following configuration.

(2) A gaming machine connected through a communication line to a controldevice which counts the number of games accumulatively for every gamingmachine of plural gaming machines,

comprising:

winning combination determining means for determining a winningcombination by a lottery;

means for generating a first special game state which is a game stateadvantageous to a player when the determined winning combination is aspecial winning combination;

means for transmitting an identification information of a gaming machineto the control device through the communication line each time a game isplayed;

means for receiving a command signal transmitted from the control devicewhen a condition that the number of games counted accumulatively by thecontrol device based on the identification information of the gamingmachine reaches a set value set as an object of comparison with thenumber of games is established; and

means for generating a second special game state that is a game stateadvantageous to a player and is generated only when said condition isestablished based on the command signal.

According to the configuration (2), when a condition that the number ofgames counted by the control device based reaches a set value set as anobject of comparison with the number of games is established, the secondspecial game state that is a game state advantageous to the player andis generated only in case of the establishment of said condition isgenerated. Therefore, even if the first special game state is notgenerated for a long period of time leading to the spending of many ofthe game media, the second special game state is generated as long asthe game is played such that the number of games reaches the set value,thus a player can make profit for playing the game. In addition, sincethe second special game state is generated only when the above conditionis established, an impression can be made on the player that a return iscarried out as a result of playing the game until the number of gamesreaches the set value, and the player take more interest in the game. Asa result, it can be prevented for a player who has spent many of thegame media from feeling unpleasant against the game, building updistrust thereto, or losing interest in or a concern on the game.

Further, the present invention provides the following configuration.

(3) A gaming machine comprising:

winning combination determining means for determining a winningcombination by a lottery;

means for generating a first special game state which is a game stateadvantageous to a player when the determined winning combination is aspecial winning combination;

means for counting accumulatively the number of games each time a gameis played;

means for determining whether or not a condition that the number ofgames reaches the set value set as an object of comparison with thenumber of games has been established; and

means for generating a second special game state that is a game stateadvantageous to a player and is generated only when said condition isdetermined to have been established.

According to the configuration (3), the number of games isaccumulatively counted and it is determined whether or not a conditionthat the number of games reaches the set value set as an object ofcomparison with the number of games has been established. And, when itis determined that said condition is established, the second specialgame state that is a game state advantageous to a player and isgenerated only in case of the establishment of said condition isgenerated. Therefore, even if the first special game state is notgenerated for a long period of time leading to the spending of many ofthe game media, the second special game state is generated as long asthe game is played such that the number of games reaches the set value,thus a player can make profit for playing the game. In addition, sincethe second special game state is generated only when the above conditionis established, an impression can be made on the player that a return iscarried out as a result of playing the game until the number of gamesreaches the set value, and the player take more interest in the game. Asa result, it can be prevented for a player who has spent many of thegame media from feeling unpleasant against the game, building updistrust thereto, or losing interest in or a concern on the game.

Further, the present invention provides the following configuration.

(4) The gaming machine according to any of the configurations (1) to(3), wherein the means for generating the second special game statepayout the number of game media corresponding to the payment balance interms of the game media which is accumulatively counted until the secondspecial game state is generated, in the second special game state.

According to the configuration (4), for example, when the paymentbalance in terms of the game media accumulatively counted until thesecond special game state is generated is “−10000”, 5000 pieces of gamemedia corresponding to 50% of the payment balance in terms of the gamemedia are paid out. Thus, a profit according to the payment balance interms of the game media of the player can be returned in the secondspecial game state. As a result, it can be prevented for a player whohas spent many of the game media from feeling unpleasant against thegame, building up distrust thereto, or losing interest in or a concernon the game.

Further, the present invention provides the following configuration.

(5) The gaming machine according to any of the configurations (1) to(3), wherein reception means that can accept for one game an insertionof game media up to a predetermined upper limit value is provided, andthe means for generating the second special game state generates thesecond special game state in a case when the number of inserted gamemedia for the game played by the player is equal to the upper limit whena condition that the number of games reaches the set value isestablished.

According to the configuration (5), a player can be urged to insert thegame media up to the upper limit, thereby enabling a facility such as acasino to increase its profit.

Further, the present invention provides the following configuration.

(6) A gaming machine comprising:

winning combination determining means for determining a winningcombination by a lottery;

symbol display means for executing change display and stop display ofplural symbols based on a result of the lottery;

means for generating a first special game state that is a game stateadvantageous to a player when combination of the plural symbols stopdisplayed on winning line defined by the symbol display means is aspecial winning combination; and

means for generating a second special game state in which the number ofwinning lines defined by the symbol display means is relativelyincreased when a condition that the number of games countedaccumulatively every time a game is played reaches a set value set as anobject of comparison with the number of games is established.

According to the configuration (6), when a condition that the number ofgames reaches a set value set as an object of comparison with the numberof games is established, the second special game state in which thenumber of winning lines is relatively increased is generated. Sinceestablishment possibility that the combination of the plural symbolsstop displayed on the winning line would is a special winningcombination becomes high by increasing the number of winning lines, thefirst special game state is likely to be generated. Therefore, even ifthe first special game state is not generated for a long period of timeleading to the spending of many of the game media, the second specialgame state is generated as long as the game is played such that thenumber of games reaches the set value, thus a player can plays the gamein advantageous state. As a result, it can be prevented for a player whohas spent many of the game media from feeling unpleasant against thegame, building up distrust thereto, or losing interest in or a concernon the game.

In addition, it is preferable that the second special game state inwhich the number of winning lines is relatively increased is generatedonly when the above condition is established. Because an impression canbe made on the player that a return is carried out as a result ofplaying the game until the number of games reaches the set value, andthe player take more interest in the game.

Further, the present invention provides the following configuration.

(7) A gaming machine connected through a communication line to a controldevice which counts the number of games accumulatively for every gamingmachine of plural gaming machines,

comprising:

winning combination determining means for determining a winningcombination by a lottery;

symbol display means for executing change display and stop display ofplural symbols based on a result of the lottery;

means for generating a first special game state which is a game stateadvantageous to a player when combination of the plural symbols stopdisplayed on winning line defined by the symbol display means is aspecial winning combination;

means for transmitting an identification information of a gaming machineto the control device through the communication line each time a game isplayed;

means for receiving a command signal transmitted from the control devicewhen a condition that the number of games counted accumulatively by thecontrol device based on the identification information of the gamingmachine reaches a set value set as an object of comparison with thenumber of games is established; and

means for generating a second special game state in which the number ofwinning lines defined by the symbol display means is relativelyincreased, based on the command signal.

According to the configuration (7), when a condition that the number ofgames counted accumulatively by the control device reaches a set valueset as an object of comparison with the number of games is established,the second special game state in which the number of winning lines isrelatively increased is generated. Since establishment possibility thatthe combination of the plural symbols stop displayed on the winning lineis the special winning combination becomes high by increasing the numberof winning lines, the first special game state is likely to begenerated. Therefore, even if the first special game state is notgenerated for a long period of time leading to the spending of many ofthe game media, the second special game state is generated as long asthe game is played such that the number of games reaches the set value,thus a player can plays the game in advantageous state. As a result, itcan be prevented for a player who has spent many of the game media fromfeeling unpleasant against the game, building up distrust thereto, orlosing interest in or a concern on the game.

(8) A gaming machine comprising:

winning combination determining means for determining a winningcombination by a lottery;

symbol display means for executing change display and stop display ofplural symbols based on a result of the lottery;

means for generating a first special game state which is a game stateadvantageous to a player when combination of the plural symbols stopdisplayed on winning line defined by the symbol display means is aspecial winning combination;

means for counting accumulatively the number of games each time a gameis played;

means for determining whether or not a condition that the number ofgames reaches the set value set as an object of comparison with thenumber of games has been established; and

means for generating a second special game state in which the number ofwinning lines defined by the symbol display means is relativelyincreased when said condition is determined to have been established.

According to the configuration (8), the number of games isaccumulatively counted and whether or not a condition that the number ofgames reaches the set value set as an object of comparison with thenumber of games has been established is determined. And when it isdetermined that said condition is established, the second special gamestate in which the number of winning lines is relatively increased isgenerated. Since establishment possibility that the combination of theplural symbols stop displayed on the winning line is the special winningcombination becomes high by increasing the number of winning lines, thefirst special game state is likely to be generated. Therefore, even ifthe first special game state is not generated for a long period of timeleading to the spending of many of the game media, the second specialgame state is generated as long as the game is played such that thenumber of games reaches the set value, thus a player can plays the gamein advantageous state. As a result, it can be prevented for a player whohas spent many of the game media from feeling unpleasant against thegame, building up distrust thereto, or losing interest in or a concernon the game.

Further, the present invention provides the following configuration.

(9) A gaming machine equipped with a processing device, a storagedevice,

wherein

the processing device executes:

a processing determining one winning combination selected from pluralwinning combinations determined in advance by executing a lotteryprogram stored in the storage device;

a processing reading from the storage device a program for generating afirst special game state that is a game state advantageous to a playerwhen the determined winning combination is a special winningcombination, and executing the program;

a processing reading from the storage device a program for generating asecond special game state that is a game state advantageous to a playerand is generated only in a case where said condition is established whena condition that the number of games counted accumulatively every time agame is played reaches a set value set as an object of comparison withthe number of games is established.

According to the configuration (9), when a condition that the number ofgames reaches a set value set as an object of comparison with the numberof games is established, the second special game state that is a gamestate advantageous to a player and is generated only in case of theestablishment of said condition is generated. Therefore, even if thefirst special game state is not generated for a long period of timeleading to the spending of many of the game media, the second specialgame state is generated as long as the game is played such that thenumber of games reaches the set value, thus a player can make profit forplaying the game. In addition, since the second special game state isgenerated only when the above condition is established, an impressioncan be made on the player that a return is carried out as a result ofplaying the game until the number of games reaches the set value, andthe player take more interest in the game. As a result, it can beprevented for a player who has spent many of the game media from feelingunpleasant against the game, building up distrust thereto, or losinginterest in or a concern on the game.

Further, the present invention provides the following configuration.

(10) A gaming machine equipped with a processing device and a storagedevice, and connected through a communication line to a control devicewhich counts the number of games accumulatively for every gaming machineof plural gaming machines,

wherein

the processing device executes:

a processing determining one winning combination selected from pluralwinning combinations determined in advance by executing a lotteryprogram stored in the storage device;

a processing reading from the storage device a program for generating afirst special game state that is a game state advantageous to a playerwhen the determined winning combination is a special winningcombination, and executing the program;

a processing transmitting an identification information of a gamingmachine stored in the storage device to the control device through thecommunication line each time a game is played;

a processing receiving a command signal transmitted from the controldevice when a condition that the number of games counted accumulativelyby the control device based on the identification information of thegaming machine reaches a set value set as an object of comparison withthe number of games is established; and

a processing reading from the storage device a program for generating asecond special game state that is a game state advantageous to a playerand is generated only when said condition is established based on thecommand signal, and executing the program.

According to the configuration (10), when a condition that the number ofgames counted by the control device reaches a set value set as an objectof comparison with the number of games is established, the secondspecial game state that is a game state advantageous to the player andis generated only in case of the establishment of said condition isgenerated. Therefore, even if the first special game state is notgenerated for a long period of time leading to the spending of many ofthe game media, the second special game state is generated as long asthe game is played such that the number of games reaches the set value,thus a player can make profit for playing the game. In addition, sincethe second special game state is generated only when the above conditionis established, an impression can be made on the player that a return iscarried out as a result of playing the game until the number of gamesreaches the set value, and the player take more interest in the game. Asa result, it can be prevented for a player who has spent many of thegame media from feeling unpleasant against the game, building updistrust thereto, or losing interest in or a concern on the game.

Further, the present invention provides the following configuration.

(11) A gaming machine equipped with a processing device, a storagedevice,

wherein

the processing device executes:

a processing determining one winning combination selected from pluralwinning combinations determined in advance by executing a lotteryprogram stored in the storage device;

a processing reading from the storage device a program for generating afirst special game state that is a game state advantageous to a playerwhen the determined winning combination is a special winningcombination, and executing the program;

a processing counting the number of games accumulatively each time agame is played;

a processing determining whether or not a condition that the number ofgames reaches the set value set as an object of comparison with thenumber of games has been established; and

a processing reading from the storage device a program for generating asecond special game state that is a game state advantageous to a playerand is generated only when said condition is determined to have beenestablished, and executing the program.

According to the configuration (11), the number of games isaccumulatively counted and it is determined whether or not a conditionthat the number of games reaches the set value set as an object ofcomparison with the number of games has been established. And, when itis determined that said condition is established, the second specialgame state that is a game state advantageous to a player and isgenerated only in case of establishment of said condition is generated.Therefore, even if the first special game state is not generated for along period of time leading to the spending of many of the game media,the second special game state is generated as long as the game is playedsuch that the number of games reaches the set value, thus a player canmake profit for playing the game. In addition, since the second specialgame state is generated only when the above condition is established, animpression can be made on the player that a return is carried out as aresult of playing the game until the number of games reaches the setvalue, and the player take more interest in the game. As a result, itcan be prevented for a player who has spent many of the game media fromfeeling unpleasant against the game, building up distrust thereto, orlosing interest in or a concern on the game.

Further, the present invention provides the following configuration.

(12) The gaming machine according to any of the configurations (9) to(11), wherein the processing device executes a program for generatingthe second special game state in which the number of the game mediacorresponding to the payment balance in terms of the game media countedaccumulatively until the generation of second special game state is paidout.

According to the configuration (12), a profit according to the paymentbalance in terms of the game media of the player can be returned in thesecond special game state. As a result, it can be prevented for a playerwho has spent many of the game media from feeling unpleasant against thegame, building up distrust thereto, or losing interest in or a concernon the game.

Further, the present invention provides the following configuration.

(13) The gaming machine according to any of the configurations (9) to(11), wherein the processing device executes a program for generatingthe second special game state in a case when the number of inserted gamemedia for the game played by the player is equal to the predeterminedupper limit of the number of inserted game media for the game played bythe player when a condition that the number of game media reaches theset value is established.

According to the configuration (13), a player can be urged to insert thegame media up to the upper limit, thereby enabling a facility such as acasino to increase its profit.

Further, the present invention provides the following configuration.

(14) A gaming machine equipped with a processing device, a storagedevice, and a symbol display device which can execute change display andstop display of plural symbols,

wherein

the processing device executes:

a processing determining one winning combination selected from pluralwinning combinations determined in advance by executing a lotteryprogram stored in the storage device;

a processing executing stop display after executing change display byoperating the symbol display device based on a result of executing thelottery program;

a processing reading from the storage device a program for generating afirst special game state that is a game state advantageous to a playerwhen combination of the plural symbols stop displayed on winning linedefined by the symbol display means is a special winning combination,and executing the program; and

a processing reading from the storage device a program for generating asecond special game state in which the number of the winning lines isrelatively increased when a condition that the number of games countedaccumulatively every time a game is played reaches a set value set as anobject of comparison with the number of games is established.

According to the configuration (14), when a condition that the number ofgames counted accumulatively every time a game is played reaches a setvalue set as an object of comparison with the number of games isestablished, the second special game state in which the number ofwinning lines is relatively increased is generated. Since establishmentpossibility that the combination of the plural symbols stop displayed onthe winning line is the special winning combination becomes high byincreasing the number of winning lines, the first special game state islikely to be generated. Therefore, even if the first special game stateis not generated for a long period of time leading to the spending ofmany of the game media, the second special game state is generated aslong as the game is played such that the number of games reaches the setvalue, thus a player can plays the game in advantageous state. As aresult, it can be prevented for a player who has spent many of the gamemedia from feeling unpleasant against the game, building up distrustthereto, or losing interest in or a concern on the game.

(15) A gaming machine equipped with a processing device, a storagedevice and a symbol display device which can execute change display andstop display of plural symbols, and connected through a communicationline to a control device which counts the number of games accumulativelyfor every gaming machine of plural gaming machines,

wherein

the processing device executes:

a processing determining one winning combination selected from pluralwinning combinations determined in advance by executing a lotteryprogram stored in the storage device;

a processing executing stop display after executing change display byoperating the symbol display device based on a result of executing thelottery program;

a processing reading from the storage device a program for generating afirst special game state that is a game state advantageous to a playerwhen combination of the plural symbols stop displayed on winning linedefined by the symbol display means is a special winning combination,and executing the program;

a processing transmitting an identification information of the gamingmachine stored in the storage device to a control device through thecommunication line every time a game is played;

a processing receiving a command signal transmitted from the controldevice when a condition that the number of games counted accumulativelyby the control device based on the identification information of thegaming machine reaches a set value set as an object of comparison withthe number of games is established; and

a processing reading from the storage device a program for generating asecond special game state in which the number of winning lines isrelatively increased based on the command signal, and executing theprogram.

According to the configuration (15), when a condition that the number ofgames counted accumulatively by the control device reaches a set valueset as an object of comparison with the number of games is established,the second special game state in which the number of winning lines isrelatively increased is generated. Since establishment possibility thatthe combination of the plural symbols stop displayed on the winning lineis the special winning combination becomes high by increasing the numberof winning lines, the first special game state is likely to begenerated. Therefore, even if the first special game state is notgenerated for a long period of time leading to the spending of many ofthe game media, the second special game state is generated as long asthe game is played such that the number of games reaches the set value,thus a player can plays the game in advantageous state. As a result, itcan be prevented for a player who has spent many of the game media fromfeeling unpleasant against the game, building up distrust thereto, orlosing interest in or a concern on the game.

Further, the present invention provides the following configuration.

(16) A gaming machine equipped with a processing device, a storagedevice, and a symbol display device which can execute change display andstop display of plural symbols,

wherein

the processing device executes:

a processing determining one winning combination selected from pluralwinning combinations determined in advance by executing a lotteryprogram stored in the storage device;

a processing executing stop display after executing change display byoperating the symbol display device based on a result of executing thelottery program;

a processing reading from the storage device a program for generating afirst special game state that is a game state advantageous to a playerwhen combination of the plural symbols stop displayed on winning linedefined by the symbol display means is a special winning combination,and executing the program;

a processing counting accumulatively the number of games each time agame is played;

a processing determining whether or not a condition that the number ofgames reaches the set value set as an object of comparison with thenumber of games has been established; and

a processing reading from the storage device a program for generating asecond special game state in which the number of winning lines isrelatively increased when said condition is determined to have beenestablished, and executing the program.

According to the configuration (16), the number of games isaccumulatively counted and whether or not a condition that the number ofgames reaches the set value set as an object of comparison with thenumber of games has been established is determined. And when it isdetermined that said condition is established, the second special gamestate in which the number of winning lines is relatively increased isgenerated. Since establishment possibility that the combination of theplural symbols stop displayed on the winning line is the special winningcombination becomes high by increasing the number of winning lines, thefirst special game state is likely to be generated. Therefore, even ifthe first special game state is not generated for a long period of timeleading to the spending of many of the game media, the second specialgame state is generated as long as the game is played such that thenumber of games reaches the set value, thus a player can plays the gamein advantageous state. As a result, it can be prevented for a player whohas spent many of the game media from feeling unpleasant against thegame, building up distrust thereto, or losing interest in or a concernon the game.

The present invention provides the following configuration.

(17) A gaming machine comprising:

winning combination determining means for determining a winningcombination by a lottery;

means for generating a first special game state which is a game stateadvantageous to a player when the determined winning combination is aspecial winning combination; and

means for generating a second special game state which is a game stateadvantageous to a player and is generated only when a condition that apayment balance in terms of the game media which is accumulativelycounted every time a game is played becomes equal to or below a setvalue set as an object of comparison with the payment balance in termsof the game media is established.

According to the configuration (17), when a condition that a paymentbalance in terms of the game media becomes equal to or below a set valueset as an object of comparison with the payment balance in terms of thegame media is established, the second special game state that is a gamestate advantageous to a player and is generated only in case of theestablishment of said condition is generated. Therefore, even if thefirst special game state is not generated for a long period of timeleading to the spending of many of the game media, the second specialgame state is generated as long as the game is played such that thepayment balance in terms of the game media becomes equal to or below theset value, thus a player can make profit for playing the game. Inaddition, since the second special game state is generated only when theabove condition is established, an impression can be made on the playerthat a return is carried out as a result of playing the game until thepayment balance in terms of the game media becomes equal to or below theset value, and the player take more interest in the game. As a result,it can be prevented for a player who has spent many of the game mediafrom feeling unpleasant against the game, building up distrust thereto,or losing interest in or a concern on the game.

Further, the present invention provides the following configuration.

(18) A gaming machine connected through a communication line to acontrol device which counts a payment balance in terms of the game mediaaccumulatively for every gaming machine of plural gaming machinesthrough a communication line, comprising:

winning combination determining means for determining a winningcombination by a lottery;

means for generating a first special game state which is a game stateadvantageous to a player when the determined winning combination is aspecial winning combination;

means for transmitting the payment balance in terms of the game media ina game played by a player together with an identification information ofthe gaming machine to the control device through the communication line;

means for receiving a command signal transmitted from the control devicewhen a condition that the payment balance in terms of the game mediawhich is counted accumulatively by the control device based on anidentification information of the gaming machine and the payment balancein terms of the game media in a game played by a player becomes equal toor below a set value set as an object of comparison with the number ofgames is established; and

means for read from the storage device a program for generating a secondspecial game state that is a game state advantageous to a player and isgenerated only when said condition is established based on the commandsignal.

According to the configuration (18), when a condition that the paymentbalance in terms of the game media counted accumulatively by the controldevice becomes equal to or below a set value set as an object ofcomparison with the payment balance in terms of the game media isestablished, the second special game state that is a game stateadvantageous to the player and is generated only in case of theestablishment of said condition is generated. Therefore, even if thefirst special game state is not generated for a long period of timeleading to the spending of many of the game media, the second specialgame state is generated as long as the game is played such that thepayment balance in terms of the game media becomes equal to or below theset value, thus a player can make profit for playing the game. Inaddition, since the second special game state is generated only when theabove condition is established, an impression can be made on the playerthat a return is carried out as a result of playing the game until thepayment balance in terms of the game media becomes equal to or below theset value, and the player take more interest in the game. As a result,it can be prevented for a player who has spent many of the game mediafrom feeling unpleasant against the game, building up distrust thereto,or losing interest in or a concern on the game.

Further, the present invention provides the following configuration.

(19) A gaming machine comprising:

winning combination determining means for determining a winningcombination by a lottery;

means for generating a first special game state that is a game stateadvantageous to a player when the determined winning combination is aspecial winning combination;

means for counting accumulatively the payment balance in terms of thegame media each time a game is played;

means for determining whether or not a condition that the paymentbalance in terms of the game media becomes equal to or below the setvalue set as an object of comparison with the payment balance in termsof the game media has been established; and

means for generating a second special game state that is a game stateadvantageous to a player and is generated only when said condition isestablished in a case where said condition is determined to have beenestablished.

According to the configuration (19), the payment balance in terms of thegame media is accumulatively counted and it is determined whether or nota condition that the payment balance in terms of the game media becomesequal to or below the-set value set as an object of comparison with thepayment balance in terms of the game media has been established. And,when it is determined that said condition is established, the secondspecial game state that is a game state advantageous to a player and isgenerated only in case of establishment of said condition is generated.Therefore, even if the first special game state is not generated for along period of time leading to the spending of many of the game media,the second special game state is generated as long as the game is playedsuch that the payment balance in terms of the game media becomes equalto or below the set value, thus a player can make profit for playing thegame. In addition, since the second special game state is generated onlywhen the above condition is established, an impression can be made onthe player that a return is carried out as a result of playing the gameuntil the payment balance in terms of the game media becomes equal to orbelow the set value, and the player take more interest in the game. As aresult, it can be prevented for a player who has spent many of the gamemedia from feeling unpleasant against the game, building up distrustthereto, or losing interest in or a concern on the game.

Further, the present invention provides the following configuration.

(20) The gaming machine according to any of the configurations (17) to(19), wherein the means for generating the second special game state payout the number of game media corresponding to the number of gamescounted accumulatively until the generation of second special game statein the second special game state.

According to the configuration (20), for example, when the number ofgames accumulatively counted until the second special game state isgenerated is “600”, 6000 pieces of game media corresponding to ten timesthe number of the game media are paid out. Thus, a profit according tothe number of games played by the player can be returned in the secondspecial game state. As a result, it can be prevented for a player whohas spent many of the game media from feeling unpleasant against thegame, building up distrust thereto, or losing interest in or a concernon the game.

Further, the present invention provides the following configuration.

(21) The gaming machine according to any of the configurations (17) to(19), comprising reception means that can accept for one game aninsertion of game media up to a predetermined upper limit value, whereinthe means for generating the second special game state generates thesecond special game state in a case when the number of inserted gamemedia for the game played by the player is equal to the upper limit whena condition that the payment balance in terms of the game media is equalto or below the set value is established.

According to the configuration (21), a player can be urged to insert thegame media up to the upper limit, thereby enabling a facility such as acasino to increase its profit.

Further, the present invention provides the following configuration.

(22) A gaming machine comprising:

winning combination determining means for determining a winningcombination by a lottery;

symbol display means for executing change display and stop display ofplural symbols based on a result of the lottery;

means for generating a first special game state that is a game stateadvantageous to a player when combination of the plural symbols stopdisplayed on winning line defined by the symbol display means is aspecial winning combination; and

means for generating a second special game state in which the number ofwinning lines defined by the symbol display means is relativelyincreased when a condition that the a payment balance in terms of thegame media counted accumulatively every time a game is played becomesequal to or below a set value set as an object of comparison with thepayment balance in terms of the game media is established.

According to the configuration (22), when a condition that the paymentbalance in terms of the game media becomes equal to or below a set valueset as an object of comparison with the payment balance in terms of thegame media is established, the second special game state in which thenumber of winning lines is relatively increased is generated. Sinceestablishment possibility that the combination of the plural symbolsstop displayed on the winning line is the special winning combinationbecomes high by increasing the number of winning lines, the firstspecial game state is likely to be generated. Therefore, even if thefirst special game state is not generated for a long period of timeleading to the spending of many of the game media, the second specialgame state is generated as long as the game is played such that thepayment balance in terms of the game media becomes equal to or below theset value, thus a player can plays the game in advantageous state. As aresult, it can be prevented for a player who has spent many of the gamemedia from feeling unpleasant against the game, building up distrustthereto, or losing interest in or a concern on the game.

Further, the present invention provides the following configuration.

(23) A gaming machine connected through a communication line to acontrol device which counts a payment balance in terms of the game mediaaccumulatively for every gaming machine of plural gaming machinesthrough a communication line, comprising:

winning combination determining means for determining a winningcombination by a lottery;

symbol display means for executing change display and stop display ofplural symbols based on a result of the lottery;

means for generating a first special game state that is a game stateadvantageous to a player when combination of the plural symbols stopdisplayed on winning line defined by the symbol display means is aspecial winning combination;

means for transmitting the payment balance in terms of the game media ina game played by a player together with an identification information ofthe gaming machine to the control device through the communication line;

means for receiving a command signal transmitted from the control devicewhen a condition that the payment balance in terms of the game mediawhich is counted accumulatively by the control device based on anidentification information of the gaming machine and the payment balancein terms of the game media in a game played by a player becomes equal toor below the set value set as an object of comparison with the paymentbalance in terms of the game media is established; and

means for generating a second special game state in which the number ofwinning lines defined by the symbol display means is relativelyincreased, based on the command signal.

According to the configuration (23), when a condition that the paymentbalance in terms of the game media counted accumulatively by the controldevice becomes equal to or below a set value set as an object ofcomparison with the payment balance in terms of the game media isestablished, the second special game state in which the number ofwinning lines is relatively increased is generated. Since establishmentpossibility that the combination of the plural symbols stop displayed onthe winning line is the special winning combination becomes high byincreasing the number of winning lines, the first special game state islikely to be generated. Therefore, even if the first special game stateis not generated for a long period of time leading to the spending ofmany of the game media, the second special game state is generated aslong as the game is played such that the payment balance in terms of thegame media becomes equal to or below the set value, thus a player canplays the game in advantageous state. As a result, it can be preventedfor a player who has spent many of the game media from feelingunpleasant against the game, building up distrust thereto, or losinginterest in or a concern on the game.

Further, the present invention provides the following configuration.

(24) A gaming machine comprising:

winning combination determining means for determining a winningcombination by a lottery;

symbol display means for executing change display and stop display ofplural symbols based on a result of the lottery;

means for generating a first special game state that is a game stateadvantageous to a player when combination of the plural symbols stopdisplayed on winning line defined by the symbol display means is aspecial winning combination;

means for counting accumulatively the payment balance in terms of thegame media each time a game is played;

means for determining whether or not a condition that the paymentbalance in terms of the game media becomes equal to or below the setvalue set as an object of comparison with the payment balance in termsof the game media has been established; and

means for generating a second special game state in which the number ofwinning lines is relatively increased when said condition is determinedto have been established.

According to the configuration (24), the payment balance in terms of thegame media is accumulatively counted, and whether or not a conditionthat the payment balance in terms of the game media becomes equal to orbelow the set value set as an object of comparison with the paymentbalance in terms of the game media has been established is determined.And when it is determined that said condition has been established, thesecond special game state in which the number of winning lines isrelatively increased is generated. Since establishment possibility thatthe combination of the plural symbols stop displayed on the winning lineis the special winning combination becomes high by increasing the numberof winning lines, the first special game state is likely to begenerated. Therefore, even if the first special game state is notgenerated for a long period of time leading to the spending of many ofthe game media, the second special game state is generated as long asthe game is played such that the payment balance in terms of the gamemedia becomes equal to or below the set value, thus a player can playsthe game in advantageous state. As a result, it can be prevented for aplayer who has spent many of the game media from feeling unpleasantagainst the game, building up distrust thereto, or losing interest in ora concern on the game.

Further, the present invention provides the following configuration.

(25) A gaming machine equipped with a processing device, a storagedevice,

wherein

the processing device executes:

a processing determining one winning combination selected from pluralwinning combinations determined in advance by executing a lotteryprogram stored in the storage device;

a processing reading from the storage device a program for generating afirst special game state that is a game state advantageous to a playerwhen the determined winning combination is a special winningcombination, and executing the program; and

a processing reading from the storage device a program for generating asecond special game state which is a game state advantageous to a playerand is generated only in a case where a condition given below isestablished, when said condition that a payment balance in terms of thegame media which is accumulatively counted every time a game is playedbecomes equal to or below a set value set as an object of comparisonwith the payment balance in terms of the game media is established, andexecuting the program.

According to the configuration (25), when a condition that a paymentbalance in terms of the game media becomes equal to or below a set valueset as an object of comparison with the payment balance in terms of thegame media is established, the second special game state that is a gamestate advantageous to a player and is generated only in case of theestablishment of said condition is generated. Therefore, even if thefirst special game state is not generated for a long period of timeleading to the spending of many of the game media, the second specialgame state is generated as long as the game is played such that thepayment balance in terms of the game media becomes equal to or below theset value, thus a player can make profit for playing the game. Inaddition, since the second special game state is generated only when theabove condition is established, an impression can be made on the playerthat a return is carried out as a result of playing the game until thepayment balance in terms of the game media becomes equal to or below theset value, and the player take more interest in the game. As a result,it can be prevented for a player who has spent many of the game mediafrom feeling unpleasant against the game, building up distrust thereto,or losing interest in or a concern on the game.

Further, the present invention provides the following configuration.

(26) A gaming machine equipped with a processing device and a storagedevice, and connected through a communication line to a control devicewhich counts the payment balance in terms of the game mediaaccumulatively for every gaming machine of plural gaming machines,

wherein

the processing device executes:

a processing determining one winning combination selected from pluralwinning combinations determined in advance by executing a lotteryprogram stored in the storage device;

a processing reading from the storage device a program for generating afirst special game state that is a game state advantageous to a playerwhen the determined winning combination is a special winningcombination, and executing the program;

a processing transmitting the payment balance in terms of the game mediaof the game played by the player stored in the storage device togetherwith the identification information of a gaming machine to the controldevice through the communication line every time a game is played;

a processing receiving a command signal transmitted from the controldevice when a condition that the payment balance in terms of the gamewhich is counted accumulatively by the control device based on anidentification information of the gaming machine and the payment balancein terms of the game media in a game played by a player becomes equal toor below the set value set as an object of comparison with the paymentbalance in terms of the game media is established; and

a processing reading from the storage device a program for generating asecond special game state which is a game state advantageous to a playerand is generated only when said condition is established, and executingthe program.

According to the configuration (26), when a condition that the paymentbalance in terms of the game media counted accumulatively by the controldevice becomes equal to or below a set value set as an object ofcomparison with the payment balance in terms of the game media isestablished, the second special game state that is a game stateadvantageous to the player and is generated only in case of theestablishment of said condition is generated. Therefore, even if thefirst special game state is not generated for a long period of timeleading to the spending of many of the game media, the second specialgame state is generated as long as the game is played such that thepayment balance in terms of the game media becomes equal to or below theset value, thus a player can make profit for playing the game. Inaddition, since the second special game state is generated only when theabove condition is established, an impression can be made on the playerthat a return is carried out as a result of playing the game until thepayment balance in terms of the game media becomes equal to or below theset value, and the player take more interest in the game. As a result,it can be prevented for a player who has spent many of the game mediafrom feeling unpleasant against the game, building up distrust thereto,or losing interest in or a concern on the game.

Further, the present invention provides the following configuration.

(27) A gaming machine equipped with a processing device and a storagedevice,

wherein

the processing device executes:

a processing determining one winning combination selected from pluralwinning combinations determined in advance by executing a lotteryprogram stored in the storage device;

a processing reading from the storage device a program for generating afirst special game state that is a game state advantageous to a playerwhen the determined winning combination is a special winningcombination, and executing the program;

a processing counting accumulatively the payment balance in terms of thegame media each time a game is played;

a processing determining whether or not a condition that the paymentbalance in terms of the game media equal to or below the set value setas an object of comparison with the payment balance in terms of the gamemedia has been established; and

a processing reading from the storage device a program for generating asecond special game state which is a game state advantageous to a playerand is generated only in a case where said condition is established,when said condition is determined to have been established, andexecuting the program.

According to the configuration (27), the payment balance in terms of thegame media is accumulatively counted and it is determined whether or nota condition that the payment balance in terms of the game media becomesequal to or below the set value set as an object of comparison with thepayment balance in terms of the game media has been established. And,when it is determined that said condition has been established, thesecond special game state that is a game state advantageous to a playerand is generated only in case of establishment of said condition isgenerated. Therefore, even if the first special game state is notgenerated for a long period of time leading to the spending of many ofthe game media, the second special game state is generated as long asthe game is played such that the payment balance in terms of the gamemedia becomes equal to or below the set value, thus a player can makeprofit for playing the game. In addition, since the second special gamestate is generated only when the above condition is established, animpression can be made on the player that a return is carried out as aresult of playing the game until the payment balance in terms of thegame media becomes equal to or below the set value, and the player takemore interest in the game. As a result, it can be prevented for a playerwho has spent many of the game media from feeling unpleasant against thegame, building up distrust thereto, or losing interest in or a concernon the game.

Further, the present invention provides the following configuration.

(28) The gaming machine according to any of the configurations (25) to(27), wherein the processing device executes a program for generatingthe second special game state in which the number of the game mediacorresponding to the number of games counted accumulatively until thegeneration of the second special game state is paid out.

According to the configuration (28), a profit according to the number ofgames played by the player can be returned in the second special gamestate. As a result, it can be prevented for a player who has spent manyof the game media from feeling unpleasant against the game, building updistrust thereto, or losing interest in or a concern on the game.

Further, the present invention provides the following configuration.

(29) The gaming machine according to any of the configurations (25) to(27), wherein the processing device executes a program for generatingthe second special game state in a case where the number of insertedgame media for the game played by the player is equal to thepredetermined upper limit value of the number of game media to beinserted for one game when a condition that the payment balance in termsof the game media becomes equal to or below the set value.

According to the configuration (29), a player can be urged to insert thegame media up to the upper limit, thereby enabling a facility such as acasino to increase its profit.

Further, the present invention provides the following configuration.

(30) A gaming machine equipped with a processing device, a storagedevice, and a symbol display device which can execute change display andstop display of plural symbols,

wherein

the processing device executes:

a processing determining one winning combination selected from pluralwinning combinations determined in advance by executing a lotteryprogram stored in the storage device;

a processing executing stop display after executing change display byoperating the symbol display device based on a result of executing thelottery program;

a processing reading from the storage device a program for generating afirst special game state that is a game state advantageous to a playerwhen combination of the plural symbols stop displayed on winning linedefined by the symbol display means is a special winning combination,and executing the program; and

a processing reading from the storage device a program for generating asecond special game state in which the number of winning lines isrelatively increased when a condition that the a payment balance interms of the game media counted accumulatively every time a game isplayed becomes equal to or below a set value set as an object ofcomparison with the payment balance in terms of the game media isestablished, and executing the program.

According to the configuration (30), when a condition that the paymentbalance in terms of the game media becomes equal to or below a set valueset as an object of comparison with the payment balance in terms of thegame media is established, the second special game state in which thenumber of winning lines is relatively increased is generated. Sinceestablishment possibility that the combination of the plural symbolsstop displayed on the winning line is the special winning combinationbecomes high by increasing the number of winning lines, the firstspecial game state is likely to be generated. Therefore, even if thefirst special game state is not generated for a long period of timeleading to the spending of many of the game media, the second specialgame state is generated as long as the game is played such that thepayment balance in terms of the game media becomes equal to or below theset value, thus a player can plays the game in advantageous state. As aresult, it can be prevented for a player who has spent many of the gamemedia from feeling unpleasant against the game, building up distrustthereto, or losing interest in or a concern on the game.

Further, the present invention provides the following configuration.

(31) A gaming machine equipped with a processing device, a storagedevice and a symbol display device which can execute change display andstop display of plural symbols, and connected through a communicationline to a control device which counts the number of games accumulativelyfor every gaming machine of plural gaming machines,

wherein

the processing device executes:

a processing determining one winning combination selected from pluralwinning combinations determined in advance by executing a lotteryprogram stored in the storage device;

a processing executing stop display after executing change display byoperating the symbol display device based on a result of executing thelottery program;

a processing reading from the storage device a program for generating afirst special game state that is a game state advantageous to a playerwhen combination of the plural symbols stop displayed on winning linedefined by the symbol display means is a special winning combination,and executing the program;

a processing transmitting an identification information of a gamingmachine stored in the storage device together with the identificationinformation to the control device through the communication line everytime a game is played;

a processing receiving a command signal transmitted from the controldevice when a condition that the payment balance in terms of the gamemedia which is counted accumulatively by the control device based on anidentification information of the gaming machine and the payment balancein terms of the game media in a game played by a player becomes equal toor below the set value set as an object of comparison with the paymentbalance in terms of the game media is established; and

a processing reading from the storage device a program for generating asecond special game state in which the number of winning lines isrelatively increased based on the command signal, and executing theprogram.

According to the configuration (31), when a condition that the paymentbalance in terms of the game media counted accumulatively by the controldevice becomes equal to or below a set value set as an object ofcomparison with the payment balance in terms of the game media isestablished, the second special game state in which the number ofwinning lines is relatively increased is generated. Since establishmentpossibility that the combination of the plural symbols stop displayed onthe winning line is the special winning combination becomes high byincreasing the number of winning lines, the first special game state islikely to be generated. Therefore, even if the first special game stateis not generated for a long period of time leading to the spending ofmany of the game media, the second special game state is generated aslong as the game is played such that the payment balance in terms of thegame media becomes equal to or below the set value, thus a player canplays the game in advantageous state. As a result, it can be preventedfor a player who has spent many of the game media from feelingunpleasant against the game, building up distrust thereto, or losinginterest in or a concern on the game.

Further, the present invention provides the following configuration.

(32) A gaming machine equipped with a processing device, a storagedevice, and a symbol display device which can execute change display andstop display of plural symbols,

wherein

the processing device executes:

a processing determining one winning combination selected from pluralwinning combinations determined in advance by executing a lotteryprogram stored in the storage device;

a processing executing stop display after executing change display byoperating the symbol display device based on a result of executing thelottery program;

a processing reading from the storage device a program for generating afirst special game state that is a game state advantageous to a playerwhen combination of the plural symbols stop displayed on winning linedefined by the symbol display means is a special winning combination,and executing the program;

a processing counting accumulatively the payment balance in terms of thegame media each time a game is played;

a processing determining whether or not a condition that the paymentbalance in terms of the game media becomes equal to or below the setvalue set as an object of comparison with the payment balance in termsof the game media has been established; and

a processing reading from the storage device a program for generating asecond special game state in which the number of winning lines isrelatively increased when said condition is determined to have beenestablished, and executing the program.

According to the configuration (32), the payment balance in terms of thegame media is accumulatively counted, and whether or not a conditionthat the payment balance in terms of the game media becomes equal to orbelow the set value set as an object of comparison with the paymentbalance in terms of the game media has been established is determined.And when it is determined that said condition is established, the secondspecial game state in which the number of winning lines is relativelyincreased is generated. Since establishment possibility that thecombination of the plural symbols stop displayed on the winning line isthe special winning combination becomes high by increasing the number ofwinning lines, the first special game state is likely to be generated.Therefore, even if the first special game state is not generated for along period of time leading to the spending of many of the game media,the second special game state is generated as long as the game is playedsuch that the payment balance in terms of the game media becomes equalto or below the set value, thus a player can plays the game inadvantageous state. As a result, it can be prevented for a player whohas spent many of the game media from feeling unpleasant against thegame, building up distrust thereto, or losing interest in or a concernon the game.

Further, the present invention provides the following configuration.

(33) A gaming machine comprising:

means for giving a profit to a player based on a result of a lottery;and

means for giving a profit given only in a case where the followingcondition is satisfied to the player when the number of games played bythe player satisfies a predetermined condition.

According to the configuration (33), when the number of games played bythe player satisfies a predetermined condition, the profit given to theplayer only when the above condition is satisfied is given. As a result,it can be prevented for a player who has spent many of the game mediafrom feeling unpleasant against the game, building up distrust thereto,or losing interest in or a concern on the game.

Further, the present invention provides the following configuration.

(34) A gaming machine comprising:

means for giving a profit to a player according to the combination ofsymbols stop displayed on winning line based on a result of a lottery;and

means for increasing the number of the winning lines when the number ofgames played by the player satisfies a predetermined condition.

According to the configuration (34), when the number of games played bythe player satisfies a predetermined condition, the number of thewinning lines is increased. Thus, the player can play the game in theadvantageous state until the number of games satisfies a predeterminedcondition. As a result, it can be prevented for a player who has spentmany of the game media from feeling unpleasant against the game,building up distrust thereto, or losing interest in or a concern on thegame.

Further, the present invention provides the following configuration.

(35) A gaming machine comprising:

means for giving a profit to a player based on a result of a lottery;and

means for giving a profit given only in a case where the followingcondition is satisfied to the player when the payment balance in termsof the game media of the player satisfies a predetermined condition.

According to the configuration (35), when the payment balance in termsof the game media of the player satisfies a predetermined condition, theprofit given to the player only when the above condition is satisfied isgiven. As a result, it can be prevented for a player who has spent manyof the game media from feeling unpleasant against the game, building updistrust thereto, or losing interest in or a concern on the game.

Further, the present invention provides the following configuration.

(36) A gaming machine comprising:

means for giving a profit to a player according to combination ofsymbols stop displayed on winning line based on a result of a lottery;and

means for increasing the number of the winning lines when the paymentbalance in terms of the game media of the player satisfies apredetermined condition.

According to the configuration (36), when the payment balance in termsof the game media of the player satisfies a predetermined condition, thenumber of winning lines is increased. Thus, the player can play the gamein the advantageous state until the predetermined condition issatisfied. As a result, it can be prevented for a player who has spentmany of the game media from feeling unpleasant against the game,building up distrust thereto, or losing interest in or a concern on thegame.

Further, the present invention provides the following configuration.

(37) A game control method comprising:

a step for giving a profit to a player based on a result of a lottery;and

a step for giving a profit given only in a case where the followingcondition is satisfied to the player when the number of games played bythe player satisfies a predetermined condition.

According to the configuration (37), when the number of games played bythe player satisfies a predetermined condition, the profit given only ina case where above condition is satisfied to the player is given. As aresult, it can be prevented for a player who has spent many of the gamemedia from feeling unpleasant against the game, building up distrustthereto, or losing interest in or a concern on the game.

Further, the present invention provides the following configuration.

(38) A game control method comprising:

a step for giving a profit to a player according to combination ofsymbols stop displayed on winning line based on a result of a lottery;and

a step for increasing the number of the winning lines when the number ofgames played by the player satisfies a predetermined condition.

According to the configuration (38), when the number of games played bythe player satisfies a predetermined condition, the number of winninglines is increased. Thus, the player can play the game in theadvantageous state until the number of games satisfies the predeterminedcondition. As a result, it can be prevented for a player who has spentmany of the game media from feeling unpleasant against the game,building up distrust thereto, or losing interest in or a concern on thegame.

Further, the present invention provides the following configuration.

(39) A game control method comprising:

a step for giving a profit to a player based on a result of a lottery;and

a step for giving a profit given only in a case where the followingcondition is satisfied to the player when the payment balance in termsof the game media of the player satisfies a predetermined condition.

According to the configuration (39), when the payment balance in termsof the game media of the player satisfies a predetermined condition, theprofit given only in a case where above condition is satisfied to theplayer is given. As a result, it can be prevented for a player who hasspent many of the game media from feeling unpleasant against the game,building up distrust thereto, or losing interest in or a concern on thegame.

Further, the present invention provides the following configuration.

(40) A game control method comprising:

a step for giving a profit to a player according to combination ofsymbols stop displayed on winning line based on a result of a lottery;and

a step for increasing the number of the winning lines when the paymentbalance in terms of the game media of the player satisfies apredetermined condition.

According to the configuration (40), when the payment balance in termsof the game media of the player satisfies a predetermined condition, thenumber of winning lines is increased. Thus, the player can play the gamein the advantageous state until the predetermined condition issatisfied. As a result, it can be prevented for a player who has spentmany of the game media from feeling unpleasant against the game,building up distrust thereto, or losing interest in or a concern on thegame.

Further, the present invention provides the following configuration.

(41) A game system equipped with a gaming machine and a control device,wherein

the control device includes:

means for transmitting a signal to the gaming machine when the number ofgames played by a player in the gaming machine satisfies a predeterminedcondition; and

the gaming machine includes:

means for giving a profit to the player based on a result of a lottery;and

means for giving a profit to the player only when the above condition issatisfied based on the signal from the control device.

According to the configuration (41), when the number of games played bythe player satisfies a predetermined condition, the profit given to theplayer only when the above condition is satisfied is given. As a result,it can be prevented for a player who has spent many of the game mediafrom feeling unpleasant against the game, building up distrust thereto,or losing interest in or a concern on the game.

Further, the present invention provides the following configuration.

(42) A game system equipped with a gaming machine and a control device,wherein the control device includes:

means for transmitting a signal to the gaming machine when the number ofgames played by a player in the gaming machine satisfies a predeterminedcondition,

and the gaming machine includes:

means for giving a profit to the player according to the combination ofsymbols stop displayed on winning line based on the result of a lottery,and means for increasing the number of winning lines based on the signalfrom the control device.

According to the configuration (42), when the number of games played bythe player satisfies a predetermined condition, the number of winninglines is increased. Thus, the player can play the game in theadvantageous state until the number of games satisfies the predeterminedcondition. As a result, it can be prevented for a player who has spentmany of the game media from feeling unpleasant against the game,building up distrust thereto, or losing interest in or a concern on thegame.

Further, the present invention provides the following configuration.

(43) A game system equipped with a gaming machine and a control device,wherein

the control device includes:

means for transmitting a signal to the gaming machine when the paymentbalance in terms of the game media of a player in the gaming machinesatisfies a predetermined condition; and

the gaming machine includes:

means for giving a profit to the player based on a result of a lottery,and

means for giving a profit only when the above condition is satisfied.

According to the configuration (43), when the payment balance in termsof the game media of the player satisfies a predetermined condition, theprofit given to the player only when the above condition is satisfied isgiven. As a result, it can be prevented for a player who has spent manyof the game media from feeling unpleasant against the game, building updistrust thereto, or losing interest in or a concern on the game.

Further, the present invention provides the following configuration.

(44) A game system equipped with a gaming machine and a control device,wherein

the control device includes:

means for transmitting a signal to the gaming machine when the paymentbalance in terms of the game media of a player in the gaming machinesatisfies a predetermined condition;

and the gaming machine includes:

means for giving a profit to the player according to the combination ofsymbols stop displayed on winning line based on a result of a lottery,and means for increasing the number of winning lines-based on the signalfrom the control device.

According to the configuration (44), when the payment balance in termsof the game media of the player satisfies a predetermined condition, thenumber of winning lines is increased. Thus, the player can play the gamein the advantageous state until the predetermined condition issatisfied. As a result, it can be prevented for a player who has spentmany of the game media from feeling unpleasant against the game,building up distrust thereto, or losing interest in or a concern on thegame.

According to the present invention, it can be prevented that the playerwho used many coins feels frustrated, raises distrust, or loses interestin the game.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the entire construction of a gamesystem according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing a gaming machineaccording to the first embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing the symbol sequence depicted on theouter circumferential surface of each reel;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the internal construction of thegaming machine shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the internal construction of a controldevice according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a figure schematically showing an example of correspondencetable between a gaming machine identification number and a game history;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure in an authentication readingprocessing for a game program and a game system program executed by amother board and a gaming board shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a game mode selectionprocessing;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are figures showing an image displayed on the lowerimage display panel when a game mode selection processing is executed;

FIG. 10 a flowchart showing a subroutine of a game execution processing;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a lottery processing;

FIG. 12 is a figure schematically showing a relation between a pluralwinning combination, establishment possibility of the winningcombination and the number of payout in the first embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a reel rotating controlprocessing;

FIGS. 14A to 14D are side views for describing a rotating operation ofthe reel;

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing a correspondence table betweenthe number of steps and the code No.;

FIG. 16 is flowchart showing a subroutine of a bonus game processing;

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a return mode processing;

FIG. 18 is a figure showing an example of image displayed on the lowerimage display panel when a game state shifts to the return mode (whenthe second special game state is generated);

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a counting processing;

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a return mode processingin a second embodiment;

FIG. 21 is a figure schematically showing a relation between a pluralwinning combination, establishment possibility of the winningcombination and the number of payout in the return mode according to thesecond embodiment; and

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing another example of a subroutine of a gameexecution processing.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the entire construction of a gamesystem according to the first embodiment.

A game system 100 includes: plural gaming machines 10; and a controldevice 200 connected to the gaming machines 10 through a predeterminedcommunication line 101. Such a game system 100 may be constructed in onerecreation facility capable of playing various kinds of games such as abar, a casino and the like, or between plural recreation facilities.When the game system is constructed in one recreation facility, the gamesystem 100 may be constructed on each floor or section of the recreationfacility. The communication line 101 is not particularly limited, andmay be wired or wireless, and either a dedicated line or a switched linecan be used.

In the first embodiment, the gaming machine 10 is a slot machine. In thepresent invention, however, a gaming machine is not limited to a slotmachine, and for example, a so-called single gaming machine such as avideo slot machine, a video card gaming machine and the like may beadopted, and a so-called mass game (multi-terminal gaming machine) suchas a racing game, a bingo game, a public lottery and the like, which isa game that takes a predetermined time for a result to be displayed, mayalso be adopted.

In the gaming machine 10, a coin, a note or an electronic valuableinformation corresponding thereto is used as a game media. In thepresent invention, however, the game media is not particularly limited,and for example, a medal, a token, an electronic money and a ticket canbe used. The ticket is not particularly limited and may include, forexample, a ticket with a bar code as described later, and of the liketickets.

The control device 200 controls plural gaming machines 10. Especially,in the first embodiment, the control device 200 controls a transition toa return mode in each of the gaming machines 10. The return modecorresponds to the second special game state in the present inventionand many coins are paid out in the return mode. The control device 200may be a device which controls the return rate by controlling thetransition to the return mode. In such a construction, the controldevice 200 may be a device which controls the return rates of each ofthe gaming machines 10 individually, or a device which controls thereturn rate across all gaming machines 10 collectively.

The control device 200 may further function as a so-called hole serverwhich is installed in a recreation facility having plural gamingmachines 10, or as a server which collectively controls pluralrecreation facilities. Moreover, every gaming machine 10 has its ownidentification number, and the source of data transmitted to the controldevice 200 from each of the gaming machines 10 is distinguished thereinby their identification numbers. The identification number is also usedto designate a transmission destination of data transmitted to thegaming machine 10 from the control device 200.

The identification number of a gaming machine corresponds to theidentification information on a gaming machine of the present invention.The identification information on a gaming machine of the presentinvention is not particularly limited, and examples thereof may include:a letter, a symbol, a figure, a combination thereof, and the like.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing a gaming machineaccording to the first embodiment.

The gaming machine 10 includes: a cabinet 11; a top box 12 placed on theupper side of the cabinet 11; and a main door 13 provided at the frontface of the cabinet 11. Inside the cabinet 11, three reels 14 (14L, 14Cand 14R) are rotatably installed. Twenty two designs (hereinafter, alsoreferred to as symbols) are depicted as symbol sequences on the outercircumferential surface of each of the reels 14. Reels 14 (14L, 14C and14R) constitute symbol display device and symbol display means in thepresent invention.

A lower image display panel 16 is provided over the reels 14 in the maindoor 13. The lower image display panel 16 is provided with a transparentliquid crystal panel, and various kinds of information, representationimage and the like associated with the game are displayed while the gameis played. The lower image display panel 16 is an output device for animage and functions also as output means capable of outputting an image.

A number-of-credits display section 31 and a number-of-payouts displaysection 32 are formed on the lower image display panel 16. The number ofcredited coins is displayed as an image on the number-of-credits displaysection 31. The number of coins to be paid out is shown as an image onthe number-of-payouts display section 32, when a combination of symbolsstop displayed on a winning line L is a predetermined combination.

Three display windows 15 (15L, 15C and 15R), the back faces of which arevisually recognizable, are formed on the lower image display panel 16,and through each of the display windows 15, three of the symbolsdepicted on the outer circumferential surface of each of the reels 14are displayed. One winning line L traversing horizontally the threedisplay windows 15 is formed on the lower image display panel 16. Thewinning line L defines a combination of symbols. When a combination ofsymbols stop displayed on the winning line L is a predeterminedcombination, the number of coins corresponding to the combination andthe number of inserted coins (the number of BETs) is paid out. Displaywindows 15 and lower image display panel (16L, 16C and 16R) constitutesymbol display device and symbol display means in the present invention.

Moreover, in the present invention, for example, when: plural winninglines L which traverse horizontally or obliquely the three displaywindows 15 are formed; the winning lines L, the number thereof whichbecomes effective set to be dependent on the number of coin-in, becomeeffective; and a combination of symbols stop displayed on the winningline L which became effective is a predetermined combination, the numberof coins corresponding to the stop-displayed combination may be paidout.

A touch panel 69, which is not shown in the figure, is provided on thefront face of the lower image display panel 16 and the player can inputvarious kinds of commands by operating the touch panel 69.

Provided below the lower image display panel 16 are: a control panel 20constituting of plural buttons 23 to 27 which are inputted by theplayer, commands associated with progress of the game; a coin receivingslot 21 accepting coins into the cabinet 11; and a note identifier 22.

The control panel 20 is provided with: a spin button 23; a change button24; a CASHOUT button 25; a 1-BET button 26; and a maximum BET button 27.The spin button 23 is used for inputting a command to start the rotatingof the reels 14. The change button 24 is used in a case where a playerrequests an attendant of a recreation facility to exchange money. TheCASHOUT button 25 is used for inputting a command to pay out creditedcoins to a coin tray 18.

The 1-BET button 26 is used for inputting a command to bet one coin ofthe credited coins. The maximum BET button 27 is used for inputting acommand to bet the maximum number of coins that can be bet on one game(50 coins in the first embodiment) of the credited coins.

In the present invention, insertion of a game media means that a gamemedia is bet on a game. For example, when coins inserted into the coinreceiving slot 21 are directly bet on a game, insertion of coins intothe coin receiving slot 21 corresponds to insertion of a game media.However, when coins inserted into the coin receiving slot 21 aretemporarily credited, and the credited coins are bet on a game byoperating the 1-BET button 26 or the maximum BET button 27, as in thefirst embodiment, the bet of the credited coins on the game correspondsto insertion of a game media.

The note identifier 22 is used not only for discriminating a false notefrom a true note but also for accepting the true note into the cabinet11. The note identifier 22 may be configured such that a ticket 39 witha bar code which will be described later can be read. A belly glass 34on which characters and the like of the gaming machine 10 are depictedis provided on the front face of the lower portion of the main door 13,that is, below the control panel 20.

An upper image display panel 33 is provided at the front face of a topbox 12. The upper image display panel 33 is provided with a liquidcrystal panel and, for example, an image to introduce the contents ofthe game or explain a game rule is displayed thereto. Although the lowerimage display panel 16 is an image output device and functions also asthe output means of an image in the present embodiment, in the presentinvention, the upper image display panel 33 may also be an image outputdevice, which functions also as the output means of an image.

A speaker 29 is provided in the top box 12. The speaker 29 is a soundoutput device and functions as output means capable of outputting asound. A ticket printer 35, a card reader 36, a data display 37 and akey pad 38 are provided beneath the upper image display panel 33. Theticket printer 35 prints on a ticket a bar code in which data such asthe number of credits, date, time, identification number of the gamingmachine 10 and of the like data are encoded, and outputs the ticket 39with a bar code. A player can make the ticket 39 with a bar code to beread by a second gaming machine and play a game in the second gamingmachine, or exchange in a predetermined place (for example, at a cashierin the casino) of a recreation facility the ticket 39 with a bar code tonotes.

The card reader 36 is used for reading data from a smart card andwriting data onto a smart card. The smart card is a card to be carriedby a player, and for example, data to identify a player and dataconcerning a history of a game played by a player are stored thereon.Data corresponding to a coin, a note or a credit may also be stored onthe smart card. As an alternative of a smart card, a magnetic stripecard may be adopted. The data display 37 is a fluorescent display andthe like, and it is used, for example, to display data read by the cardreader 36 and data inputted by a player from the key pad 38. The key pad38 is used for inputting a command or data to issue a ticket and thelike.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing the symbol sequence depicted on theouter circumferential surface of each reel.

Twenty two symbols each are depicted on the outer circumferentialsurface of the left reel 14L, the middle reel 14 C and the right reel 14R. A sequence of the symbols depicted on the outer circumferentialsurface of each of the reels 14 is different from one another. Thesequences of the symbols are combinations of the following symbols:“JACKPOT 7”, “BLUE 7”, “BELL”, “CHERRY”, “STRAWBERRY”, “PLUM”, “ORANGE”and “APPLE”.

When the same three symbols of one of the symbols of “JACKPOT 7”, “BLUE7”, “BELL”, “CHERRY”, “STRAWBERRY”, “PLUM” and “ORANGE” are stopdisplayed on the winning line L, a predetermined number of credits isadded to the account of the player as a credit owned by the player (seeFIG. 12). As for “CHERRY” and “ORANGE”, even if one or two of one of thesymbols are stop displayed, a predetermined number of credits are addedto the account of the player as credits owned by the player according tothe number of the symbols stop displayed (see FIG. 12).

The symbol sequence “APPLE” is a bonus game trigger (a symbol to transitto a bonus game). When three of the “APPLE” are stop displayed on thewinning line L, a game state shifts to a bonus game. The bonus gamecorresponds to the first special game state. In the present embodiment,a bonus game is a free game (a game in which a predetermined numberthereof can be played without inserting coins for BET).

In the present invention, the first special game state is notparticularly limited as far as it is a game state advantageous to theplayer. A game state that is advantageous to the player is notparticularly limited as far as it is more advantageous than an ordinarygame state (a game state other than the first special game state or thesecond special game state) and examples thereof include: a state wheremore of the game media can be earned than in an ordinary game state, astate where the game media can be earned on a probability higher than inan ordinary game state, a state where the number of the game media spentby a player is less than in an ordinary game state and of the likestate. More specifically, examples of the first special game stateinclude a free game, a second game, a mystery bonus and the like.

The sequence of symbols depicted on each of the reels 14 are, when thespin button 23 is pressed after the 1-BET button or the maximum BETbutton 27 is pressed to start a game, scroll displayed by scrollingdownwards in the display windows 15 during the rotating of the reels 14,and after a predetermined time elapses, the rotating of the reels 14comes to a stop, and thus the sequence of symbols are stop displayed inthe display windows 15. Various kinds of winning combinations (see FIG.12) are predetermined based on combinations of symbols and when acombination of symbols corresponding to a winning combination stops onthe winning line L, the number of payout coins corresponding to thewinning combination is added to credits owned by the player. When abonus game trigger has been established, a bonus game is generated.

When a return mode flag which will be described later has been set tothe state “ON”, a game state shifts to a return mode after the symbolsare stop displayed as described above. When a bonus game has beengenerated, the game state shifts to the return mode after the bonus gameis over. The return mode corresponds to the second special game state.

In the first embodiment, if a game state shifts to the return mode, thenumber of winning lines is increased and five winning lines are adopted.Therefore, in the return mode, a possibility of winning the bonus gametrigger or the other winning combination becomes high. In addition, inthe first embodiment, the number of coins corresponding to the paymentbalance in terms of the coins counted accumulatively until thetransition to the return mode is paid out or the return mode iscontinued until the bonus game trigger is won.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the internal construction of thegaming machine shown in FIG. 2.

A gaming board 50 includes: CPU (Central Processing Unit) 51, ROM 55 andboot ROM 52 which are interconnected to one another by an internal bus;a card slot 53S which accepts a memory card 53; an IC socket 54S whichaccepts GAL (Generic Array Logic) 54.

The memory card 53 is constituted of non-volatile memories such asCompactFlash (registered trademark) and stores a game program and a gamesystem program. The game program contains a lottery program. The lotteryprogram is a program for determining symbols (code Nos. corresponding tothe symbols) on each of the reels 14 which are to be stop displayed onthe winning line L. The lottery program contains one or more of symbolweighting determination data, each corresponding to respective pluralkinds of payout rates (for example, 80%, 84% and 88%). The symbolweighting determination data is data showing a correspondencerelationship between a code No. (see FIG. 3) of each symbol and one orplural random number values from a predetermined numerical value range(0 to 255), for each of the three reels 14. A payout rate is determinedbased on data for setting a payout rate outputted from the GAL 54, andthe lottery is executed based on symbol weighting determination datacorresponding to the payout rate. In the first embodiment, the lotteryis executed based on the same symbol weighting determination data duringthe transition to the return mode. The present invention is not limitedto this example and when a game state shifts to the return mode, thelottery may be executed based on different symbol weightingdetermination data.

The card slot 53S is configured so that the memory card 53 can beinserted therein or drawn out therefrom, and connected to a mother board40 through IDE bus. Therefore, a kind or contents of a game played inthe gaming machine 10 can be changed by drawing out the memory card 53from the card slot 53S, writing a different game program and game systemprogram thereon, and inserting the memory card 53 into the card slot 53Sthereafter. Moreover, a kind or contents of a game played in the gamingmachine 10 can also be changed by changing a memory card 53 on which agame program and a game system program are stored to a different memorycard 53 on which a different game program and game system program arestored. The game program includes a program related to progress in agame; a program for generating the first special game state; and aprogram for generating the second special game state. The game programfurther includes: image data and sound data outputted while a game isplayed and image data and sound data used as notification data.

GAL 54 is one kind of PLD having an OR fixed array structure. GAL 54 isequipped with a plurality of an input port and an output port and when apredetermined data is inputted to the input port, data corresponding tothe input data is outputted from the output port. The data outputtedfrom the output port is the above-mentioned data for setting a payoutrate.

The IC socket 54S is configured such that GAL 54 can be mounted theretoor demounted therefrom, and connected to the mother board 40 through PCIbus. Therefore, data for setting a payout rate outputted from GAL 54 canbe changed by drawing out GAL 54 from the IC socket 54S, rewriting aprogram stored on GAL 54, mounting GAL 54 is to the IC socket 54Sthereafter. Moreover, data for setting a payout rate can also be changedby changing GAL 54 to a different GAL 54.

CPU 51, ROM 55 and boot ROM 52 interconnected to each other by theinternal bus are connected to the mother board 40 by PCI bus. The PCIbus not only conducts signal transmission between the mother board 40and the gaming board 50, but also supplies electric power to the gamingboard 50 from the mother board 40. ROM 55 stores country identificationinformation and an authentication program therein. Boot ROM 52 stores apreliminary authentication program, a program for CPU 51 to activate thepreliminary authentication program (a boot code) and the like therein.

The authentication program is a program to authenticate a game programand a game system program (an alteration check program). Theauthentication program is stated along a procedure for confirmation andcertification that the game program and the game system program that areobjects of an authentication capture processing are not altered, thatis, a procedure for conducting authentication of the game program andthe game system program (an authentication procedure). The preliminaryauthentication program is a program for authenticating theabove-mentioned authentication program. The preliminary authenticationprogram is stated along a procedure for certification that anauthentication program that is an object of an authentication processingis not altered, that is, a procedure for authenticating theauthentication program (an authentication procedure).

The mother board 40 is constructed with a general-purpose mother boardcommercially available (a printed circuit board on which basic parts ofa personal computer are mounted) and includes: a main CPU 41; ROM (ReadOnly Memory) 42; RAM (Random Access Memory) 43 and a communicationinterface 44. The main CPU 41 is the processing device of the presentinvention.

ROM 42 is constituted of a memory device such as a flash memory andstores thereon a program such as BIOS (Basic Input/Output System)executed by the main CPU 41 and permanent data. When BIOS is executed bythe main CPU 41, not only is an initialization processing forpredetermined peripheral devices conducted, but a capture processing forthe game program and the game system program stored on the memory card53 is also started via the gaming board 50. In the present invention,contents of ROM 42 may be rewritable or not rewritable.

RAM 43 stores data and a program used at the time of operation of themain CPU 41. RAM 43 can store the authentication program read throughthe gaming board 50 together with the game program and the game systemprogram. RAM 43 is the storage device of the present invention.

RAM 43 is provided with a storage region for a return mode flag. Thereturn mode flag is a flag to be referred to when a game state is to beselected whether it should be shifted to a return mode corresponding tothe second special game state or not. The storage region of the returnmode flag is constituted of a storage region with, for example, apredetermined number of bits and the return mode flag is turned “ON” or“OFF” according to storage contents in the storage region. If the returnmode flag is set to the state “ON”, the game state thereafter shifts tothe return mode without fail. RAM 43 further stores data on the numberof credits, the number of coin-in or coin-out for one game, and thelike.

The communication interface 44 is used to communicate with the controldevice 200 through the communication line 101. The main CPU 41 transmitsthe number of coin-in and the number of coin-out together with thegaming machine identification number of the gaming machine 10 to thecontrol device 200 each time a game is played. The number of games, anaccumulative number of coin-in and an accumulative number of coin-out ismade to be associated with each gaming machine identification number,and stored in the control device 200. In the control device 200, whenthe number of games of one gaming machine 10 reaches a set value (“600”,for example), a return command signal is transmitted from the controldevice 200. When the main CPU 41 receives the return command signalthrough the communication interface 44, the return mode flag is set tothe state “ON”.

Both a body PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 60 and a door PCB 80 which willbe described later are connected to the mother board 40 by USB. A powersupply unit 45 is also connected to the mother board 40. When electricpower is supplied from the power supply unit 45 to the mother board 40,not only is the main CPU 41 of the mother board 40 activated, but CPU 51is also activated from electric power supplied through the PCI bus tothe gaming board 50.

Equipment and devices which generate input signals to be inputted to themain CPU 41, and equipment and devices of which operations arecontrolled by a control signal outputted from the main CPU 41 areconnected to the body PCB 60 and the door PCB 80. The main CPU 41executes a game program and a game system program stored in RAM 43 basedof an input signal inputted to the main CPU 41, and thereby performs apredetermined computational processing, stores results of thereof intoRAM 43 and transmits a control signal to each equipment and device as acontrol processing for each of the equipment and devices.

A lamp 30, a sub CPU 61, a hopper 66, a coin detecting section 67, agraphic board 68, a speaker 29 as an output device, a touch panel 69, anote identifier 22, a ticket printer 35, a card reader 36, a key switch38S and a data display 37 are connected to the body PCB 60. The lamp 30is lit up in a predetermined pattern based on a control signal outputtedfrom the main CPU 41.

The sub CPU 61 controls the rotation and stopping of the reels 14 (14L,14C and 14R). A motor driving circuit 62 equipped with FPGA (FieldProgrammable Gate array) 63 and a driver 64 is connected to the sub CPU61. FPGA 63 is an electronic circuit such as LSI capable of programmingand works as a control circuit of a stepping motor 70. The driver 64works as an amplifier circuit of a pulse to be inputted to the steppingmotor 70. The stepping motors 70 (70L, 70C and 70R) which rotate each ofthe reels 14, are connected to the motor driving circuit 62. Thestepping motor 70 is a 1-2 phase excitation type stepping motor. The subCPU 61, the motor driving circuit 62 and the stepping motor 70constitute symbol display device and symbol display means.

In the present invention, an exciting type of the stepping motor is notparticularly limited, and for example, a motor of a 2 or 1 phaseexcitation type can be adopted. A DC motor may be adopted instead of astepping motor. When a DC motor is adopted, a deviation counter, a D/Aconverter and a servo amplifier are sequentially connected to the subCPU 61 in this order and the DC motor is connected to the servoamplifier. A rotational position of the DC motor is detected by a rotaryencoder and a current rotational position of the DC motor is supplied asdata from the rotary encoder to the deviation counter.

An index detecting circuit 65 and a position change detecting circuit 71are connected to the sub CPU 61. The index detecting circuit 65 is usedfor detecting positions (indexes described later) of the rotating reels14 and can also detect an out-of-order state of the reels 14. As for thecontrol of the rotating and stopping of the reels 14, detaileddescription will be given later by making reference to the figures.

The position change detecting circuit 71 detects a change of stoppagepositions of the reels 14 after the stopping of the rotating of thereels 14. The position change detecting circuit 71 detects the change ofstoppage positions of the reels 14, for example, in a case where thestoppage position is changed by force by a player as if the combinationof symbols was in a wining state, despite the fact that the combinationof symbols is not actually in a wining state, and of the like cases. Theposition change detecting circuit 71 is configured to be capable ofdetecting the change of stoppage position of the reel 14 by, forexample, detecting fins (not shown in the figure) attached with apredetermined space on the inner side of the reel 14. An index detectingcircuit 65 and a position change detecting circuit 71 constitute symboldisplay device and symbol display means.

The hopper 66 is installed in the cabinet 11 and pays out apredetermined number of coins from a coin payout exit 19 to a coin tray18 based on a control signal outputted from the main CPU 41. A coindetecting section 67 is installed inside the coin payout exit 19 andwhen detecting that a predetermined number of coins has been paid outfrom the coin payout exit 19, outputs an input signal to the main CPU41.

The graphic board 68 controls, based on a control signal outputted fromthe main CPU 41, image displays on the upper image display panel 33 andthe lower image display panel 16. The number of credits stored in RAM 43is displayed on the number-of-credits display section 31 of the lowerimage display panel 16. The number of coin-out is displayed on thenumber-of-payouts display section 31 of the lower image display panel16. Moreover, winning line L is displayed on lower image display panel16.

The graphic board 68 is equipped with VDP (Video Display Processor)which generates image data based on a control signal outputted from themain CPU 41 and a video RAM which temporarily stores image datagenerated by VDP, and of the like equipments. Note that image data usedin generating image data with VDP is read from the memory card 53 andcontained in a game program stored in RAM 43.

The note identifier 22 not only discriminates a true note from a falsenote, but also accepts the true note into the cabinet 11. The noteidentifier 22, when accepting a true note, outputs an input signal tothe main CPU 41 based on a face amount of the note. The main CPU 41stores the number of credits corresponding to the amount of the notetransmitted with the input signal.

The ticket printer 35, based on a control signal outputted from the mainCPU 41, prints on a ticket a bar code obtained by encoding data such asthe number of credits, date and time, the identification number of thegaming machine 10, and of the like data stored in RAM 43, and outputsthe ticket 39 with a bar code.

The card reader 36 transmits to the main CPU 41 data read from the smartcard and writes data onto the smart card based on a control signal fromthe main CPU 41. The key switch 38S is provided on the keypad 38, andwhen the keypad 38 is operated by a player, outputs a predeterminedinput signal to the main CPU 41. The data display 37 displays, based ona control signal outputted from the main CPU 41, data read by the cardreader 36 and data inputted by a player through the key pad 38.

The control panel 20, a reverter 21S, a coin counter 21C and a coldcathode tube 81 are connected to the door PCB 80. The control panel 20is provided with a spin switch 23 s corresponding to the spin button 23,a change switch 24S corresponding to the change button 24, a CASHOUTswitch 25S corresponding to the CASHOUT button 25, a 1-BET switch 26Scorresponding to the 1-BET button 26, and a maximum BET switch 27Scorresponding to the maximum BET button 27. When the buttons 23 to 27are operated by a player, each of the switches 23S to 27S correspondingthereto outputs input signals to the main CPU 41.

The coin counter 21C is installed inside the coin receiving slot 21, anddiscriminates whether a coin inserted by a player into the coinreceiving slot 21 is true or false. Coins other than the true ones aredischarged from the coin payout exit 19. The coin counter 21C alsooutputs an input signal to the main CPU 41 when a true coin is detected.

The reverter 21S operates based on a control signal outputted from themain CPU 41 and distributes coins recognized by the coin counter 21C astrue coins into a cash box (not shown in the figure) or the hopper 66,which are disposed in the gaming machine 10. In other words, when thehopper 66 is filled with coins, true coins are distributed into the cashbox. On the other hand, when the hopper 66 is not filled with coins,true coins are distributed into the hopper 66. The cold cathode tube 81works as a backlight installed on the back face sides of the lower imagedisplay panel 16 and the upper image display panel 33 and is lit upbased on a control signal outputted from the main CPU 41.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the internal construction of a controldevice according to first embodiment of the present invention.

A control device 200 includes: CPU 201 as a processing device; ROM 202;RAM 203 as a temporary storage device; a communication interface 204;and a hard disc drive 205. The communication interface 204 is connectedto the communication interface 44 of the gaming machine 10 through thecommunication line 101. ROM 202 stores a system program for controllingoperations of the control device, a permanent data, and the like. RAM203 temporarily stores data received from each of the gaming machines 10and data such as results of the computational operation. Moreover, agame history of a gaming machine 10 is stored in the hard disc drive205, by being associated with the gaming machine identification numberof each of the gaming machines 10.

FIG. 6 is a figure schematically showing an example of correspondencetable between a gaming machine identification number and a game history.

Each of the gaming machine identification numbers correspond to a gamehistory based on the number of games, an accumulative number of coin-in,an accumulative number of coin-out, a payment balance in terms of thecoins and a return rate of coin-out.

When CPU 201 receives the number of coin-in, the number of coin-out andthe gaming machine identification number from the gaming machine 10through the communication interface 204, a game history corresponding tothe gaming machine identification number is updated. More specifically,1 is added to the number of games, the number of coins inserted is addedto the accumulative number of coin-in and the number of coins paid outis added to the accumulative number of coin-out. Furthermore, a paymentbalance in terms of the coins and a return rate are calculated based onthe accumulative number of coin-in and the accumulative number ofcoin-out. When CPU 201 determines that the number of games updated hasreached a set value, CPU 201 transmits a return command signal to thegaming machine. The return command signal includes the accumulatednumber of payouts stored in hard disc drive 205 by being associated withidentification information of each of the gaming machines 10.

Next, description will be given of a processing performed in the gamingmachine 10.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure in an authentication readingprocessing for a game program and a game system program executed by amother board and a gaming board shown in FIG. 4. Note that the memorycard 53 is inserted into the card slot 53S on the gaming board 50 andGAL 54 is mounted to the IC socket 54S.

When a power supply switch is turned on in the power supply unit 45, themother board 40 and the gaming board 50 are activated (steps S1-1 andS2-1). When the mother board 40 and the gaming board 50 are activated,separate processing are performed at the same time. That is, in thegaming board 50, CPU 51 reads a preliminary authentication programstored in the boot ROM 52 and performs the preliminary authenticationwhich in advance, prior to capturing the authentication program into themother board 40, confirms or certificates that the program is notaltered according to the read preliminary authentication program (stepS2-2). On the other hand, in the mother board 40, the main CPU 41executes BIOS stored in ROM 42 to expand on RAM 43 compressed dataincorporated in BIOS (step S1-2). Then, the main CPU 41 executes BIOSexpanded on RAM 43 to perform diagnosis on and initialization of variouskinds of the peripheral devices (step S1-3).

Then, since ROM 55 on the gaming board 50 is connected to the main CPU41 through PCI bus, the main CPU 41 not only performs reading of theauthentication program stored in ROM 55, but also stores the readauthentication program into RAM 43 (step S1-4). On this occasion, themain CPU 41 takes a checksum according to ADDSUM method (a standardcheck function) with the help of the function of a standard BIOS ofBIOS, and by performing a confirmation processing for whether or notstorage is conducted without error, stores the authentication programinto RAM 43.

Then, after confirming what is connected to the IDE bus, the main CPU 41accesses the memory card 53 inserted into the card slot 53S through theIDE bus, and conducts reading of the game program and the game systemprogram from the memory card 53. In this case, the main CPU 41 reads 4bites at a time of data constituting the game program and the gamesystem program. Next, the main CPU 41 authenticates by confirming andcertifying according to the authentication program stored in RAM 43,that the read game program and game system program has not been altered(step S1-5). When the authentication processing is normally completed,the main CPU 41 writes and stores in RAM 43 the game program and thegame system program that have been an object of authentication (havebeen authenticated) (steps S1 to S6). Then, main CPU 41 accesses throughthe PCI bus to GAL 54 mounted to the IC socket 54S, reads data forsetting a payout rate from GAL 54 and writes and stores the data in RAM43 (step S1-7). Then, the main CPU 41 not only reads through the PCI buscountry identification information stored in ROM 55 on the gaming board50, but also stores the read country identification information into RAM43 (step S1-8).

After the processing is over, the main CPU 41 sequentially reads andexecutes the game program and the game system program to such that agame is progressed.

After the processing shown in FIG. 7 is over, the main CPU 41 performs agame mode selection processing.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a game mode selectionprocessing.

The main CPU 41 conducts a processing for adding credits stored in RAM43 as an interrupt processing when it receives a detection signaloutputted from the coin counter 21C in a case where the coin counter 21Cdetects a coin inserted into the coin receiving slot 21 while executingthe subroutine.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are figures showing an image displayed on the lowerimage display panel when a game mode selection processing is executed.

To begin with, the main CPU 41 conducts a processing to display on thelower image display panel 16 an image for requesting to the playerselection of a game mode (step S3). In this processing, the main CPU 41transmits a depiction command for the game mode selection image to thegraphic board 68. On the graphic board, VDP extracts image data from RAM43 and expands the data on the video RAM to produce image data for oneframe and to output the image data to the lower image display panel 16,based on the depiction command. As a result, for example, an image asshown in FIG. 9A is displayed on the lower side display panel 16.

FIG. 9A is a figure showing an example of game mode selection imagedisplayed on the lower image display panel. In the figure, numericalreference 15 (15L, 15C and 15R) indicates display windows. L indicates awinning line. An image showing “Select a mode!!” is displayed in theupper portion of the lower image display panel 16. The image is an imagefor requesting a player to select a game mode. Moreover, images showing“INSURANCE” and “NO INSURANCE” are displayed in the lower portion of thelower image display panel 16. The images are images indicating game modeoptions and the player touches a predetermined site of the touch panel69 corresponding to a display region of the image, and is therebyenabled to input a command for selecting a game mode.

The option “INSURANCE” corresponds to the with-insurance mode. Apredetermined number of credits (for example, number of creditsequivalent to 1 dollar) is required for selecting the with-insurancemode. As an alternative of the number of credits, a note or a coinequivalent to the number of credits may be directly inserted. In a casewhere the with-insurance mode has been selected, when the number ofgames reaches a set value (for example, 600) without a bonus game beinggenerated, the return mode flag is set to the state “ON” and a gamestate shifts to the return mode. In the return mode, since the number ofthe winning lines is increased, establishment possibility of the winningcombination becomes high. Therefore, in the return mode, the player canreceive payout of more coins. In other words, in the with-insurancemode, a game can be played in a state where an insurance is carried forcompensating all or part of a loss arising in a case where no bonus gamehas arisen for a long time. On the other hand, an option “NO INSURANCE”corresponds to the without-insurance mode. In a case where thewithout-insurance mode has been selected, the return mode flag is notset to the state of “ON” and a game state does not shift to the payoutreturn mode even if no bonus game has arisen for a long time after thewithout-insurance mode is selected.

After the processing in step S3, the main CPU 41 determines whether thewith-insurance mode has been selected or not (step S4). In a case whereit is determined that the with-insurance mode has been selected, themain CPU conducts a processing for subtracting a predetermined number ofcredit from the number of credits stored in RAM 43 (step S5).Thereafter, the game execution processing in the with-insurance mode isconducted (step S6).

While detailed description of the above-mentioned processing will begiven later by making reference to FIG. 10, when played in thewith-insurance mode, an image showing “INSURED” is displayed in theupper left of the lower image display panel 16, as shown in FIG. 9B. Theimage is an image showing that a game mode is in the with-insurancemode.

On the other hand, in the case where, in step S4, it is determined thatthe without-insurance mode has been selected, the main CPU 41 conductsthe game execution processing in the without-insurance mode (step S7).Since this processing is a processing almost the same as the gameexecution processing in the with-insurance mode (see FIG. 10) exceptthat neither a processing related to transition to the return mode nor aprocessing related to counting of the number of games is conducted,description thereof is omitted here. When the processing in step S6 orS7 has been executed, the process is returned to step S3 thereafter.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a game executionprocessing in the with-insurance mode that is called and executed instep S6 of the subroutine shown in FIG. 8.

In the game execution processing, the main CPU 41 at first determineswhether or not a coin is BET (step S10). In the processing, the main CPU41 determines whether an input signal outputted from the 1-BET switch26S or the maximum BET switch 27S has been received or not when the1-BET button 26 or the maximum BET button 27 is operated, respectively.If it is determined that a coin has not been BET, the process returns tostep S10.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S10 that a coin is BET,the main CPU 41 conducts a processing for subtracting the number ofcredits stored in RAM 43 according to the number of BET coins (stepS11). In a case where the number of BET coins is more than the number ofcredits stored in RAM 43, the process returns to step S10 withoutconducting subtraction on the number of credits stored in RAM 43. In acase where the number of BET coins exceeds the upper limit (50 coins inthe first embodiment) up to which a BET is possible in one game, theprocess advances to step S12 without conducting a processing forsubtracting the number of BET coins from the number of credits stored inRAM 43.

Then, the main CPU 41 determines whether the spin button 23 has beenturned ON or not (step S12). In the processing, the main CPU 41 ddetermines, when the spin button 23 is pressed, whether an input signaloutputted from the spin switch 23S has been received or not.

If it is determined that the spin button 23 has not been turned ON, theprocess returns to step S10. Note that in a case where the spin buttonhas not been turned ON (for example, in a case where a command ofterminating a game has been inputted without turning ON the spinbutton), the main CPU 41 cancels a result of the subtracting processingin step S11.

In the first embodiment, description will be given of a case in which:after a coin is BET (step S10), a processing for conducting subtractionon the number of credits (step S11) is conducted prior to thedetermination on whether the spin button has been turned ON or not (stepS12). However, the present invention is not limited to this example. Forexample, a processing for subtraction on the number of credits (stepS11) may be conducted after a coin is BET (step S10), determined whetherthe spin button 23 has been turned ON or not (step S12), and whendetermined that the spin button 23 has been turned ON (YES in step S12).

On the other hand, in step S12 of FIG. 10, if it is determined that thespin button 23 has been turned ON therein, the main CPU 41 conducts alottery processing (step S13). In the lottery processing, the main CPU41 (processing device) executes a lottery program stored in RAM 43(storage device) to thereby determine a code No. of the stopped reels14. Thus, a combination of symbols stop displayed is determined.Detailed description of the processing will be given later by makingreference to FIGS. 11 and 12. When the processing in step S13 isexecuted, the main CPU 41 works as winning combination determinationmeans for determining a winning combination by a lottery. In the firstembodiment, description will be given of a case where a combination ofsymbols stop displayed is determined, and one winning combination ofplural winning combinations is determined thereafter. However, in thepresent invention, one winning combination selected from plural winningcombinations may at first be determined by a lottery, and thecombination of symbols to be stop displayed may be determinedthereafter, based on the determined winning combination.

Then, the main CPU 41 conducts a reel rotating control processing (stepS14). The processing is a processing which, after all of the reels 14starts to rotate, stops the rotating of each of the reels 14 such that acombination of symbol sequences corresponding to the winning combinationdetermined in step S13 is stop displayed on the winning line L. Detaileddescription of the processing will be given later by making reference toFIGS. 13 to 15.

Then, the main CPU 41 determines whether a bonus game trigger has beenestablished or not, that is whether “APPLE” is stop displayed in thedisplay window 15 or hot (step S15). If it is determined that the bonusgame trigger has been established, the main CPU 41 (processing device)reads a program for conducting a bonus game from RAM 43 (storage device)to execute a bonus game processing (step S16). Here, the first specialgame state is generated. Detailed description of the bonus gameprocessing will be given later by making reference to FIG. 16. When theprocessing in step S16 is executed, the main CPU 41 functions as meansfor generating the first special game state.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the bonus game trigger hasnot been established, the main CPU 41 determines whether a winningcombination has been established or not (step S17). If it is determinedthat a winning combination has been established, the main CPU 41conducts payout of a coin corresponding to the number of coin-in and thewinning combination (step S18).

In a case where coins are reserved, the main CPU 41 conducts aprocessing to add the coins to the number of credits stored in RAM 43.On the other hand, in a case where payout of a coin is conducted, themain CPU 41 transmits a control signal to the hopper 66 and conductspayout of a predetermined number of coins. In that situation, the coindetecting section 67 counts the number of coins paid out from the hopper66 and when the number of counts reaches a designated number, transmitsa payout completion signal to the main CPU 41. Thus, the main CPU 41stops the driving of the hopper 66 to terminate the coin payoutprocessing.

When the processing in step S16 or S18 is executed, or when it isdetermined that no winning combination has been established (that awinning combination has failed to be established) in step S17, the mainCPU 41 determines whether the return mode flag stored in RAM 43 is setto the state “ON” (step S19) or not. If it is determined that the returnmode flag has been set to the state “ON”, the main CPU 41 (processingdevice) reads from RAM 43 (storage device) a program for shifting a gamestate to the return mode, executes the return mode processing, to thusshift a game state to the return mode (step S20). Here, the secondspecial game state has been generated. Detailed description will begiven of the payout return mode processing later using FIG. 17. The mainCPU 41, when executing the processing in step S20, functions as meansfor generating the second special game state.

If the processing in step S20 has been executed, or if it is determinedthat the return mode flag has not been set to the state “ON” in stepS19, the main CPU 41 determines whether the bonus game (step S16) hasbeen executed or not or whether a game state has shifted to the returnmode (step S20) or not (step S21).

If it is determined that a bonus game has not been executed, or that agame state has not shifted to the payout return mode, the main CPU 41executes a counting processing (step S22).

The counting processing is a processing conducted between the gamingmachine 10 and the control device 200. The number of coin-in and thenumber of coin-out for one game together with the gaming machineidentification number are transmitted to the control device 200. In thecontrol device 200, the number of games, an accumulative number ofcoin-in, an accumulative number of coin-out and the like are updatedwith respect to each gaming machine identification number. When thenumber of games reaches a set value, a return command signal istransmitted to the gaming machine 10. The return command signal includesthe accumulated number of payouts as data stored in hard disc drive 205by being associated with identification information of each of thegaming machines 10. The main CPU 41, when receiving the return commandsignal, sets the return mode flag to the state “ON” and stores theaccumulated number of payouts as data.

Detailed description of the counting processing will be given later bymaking reference to FIG. 19. After the processing in step S22 isexecuted, the main CPU 41 returns the process to the processing in stepS10 and subsequently executes a game in the with-insurance mode.

On the other hand, when it is determined that a bonus game has beenexecuted or a game state has shifted to the payout return mode, thepresent subroutine is completed and the process returns to theprocessing shown in FIG. 8. As a result, a player can once again selectwhether a game is to be played by the with-insurance mode or thewithout-insurance mode.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a lottery processingcalled and executed in step S13 of the subroutine shown in FIG. 10. Theprocessing is a processing conducted by executing a lottery programstored in RAM 43 with the main CPU 41. The main CPU 41 executes a randomnumber generating program included in the lottery program, and a randomnumber value from the numerical value range of 0 to 255 is selectedthereby such that each of the selected random number values correspondto each of the three reels 14 (step S31). In the first embodiment,description will be given of a case where random numbers are generatedon a program (a case where so-called software random numbers are used).In the present invention, however, a random number generator may beused, and random numbers may be extracted therefrom (so-called hardwarerandom numbers may be used).

After the random number values are selected, the main CPU 41 (processingdevice) refers to symbol weighting determination data corresponding topayout rate setting data which is outputted from GAL 54 and stored inRAM 43, and determines, based on the selected three random numbervalues, code Nos. (see FIG. 3) for each of the reels 14 (step S32). Thecode Nos. of the reels 14 correspond to code Nos. of the symbols stopdisplayed on the winning line L. The main CPU 41 determines code Nos. ofthe reels 14 to thereby determine a winning combination. For example, ina case where code Nos. of the reels 14 are determined “00”, “00” and“00”, it means that the main CPU 41 determined a winning combination as“JACKPOT”. Based on the code Nos. determined for each of the reels, areel rotating control processing which will be described later isconducted. On this occasion, the main CPU 41 functions as winningcombination determination means.

Here, description of a winning combination in the first embodiment willbe given.

FIG. 12 is a figure describing a relationship among winning combinationsof plural kinds, establishment possibility of each winning combinationand the number of coin-out in the first embodiment. The establishmentpossibilities of each of the winning combinations shown in FIG. 12 areof a case where a payout rate is set to 88% in a game other than a bonusgame. The establishment possibilities shown in the figure showpossibilities of the establishment of each of the shown winningcombinations in such a case that code Nos. of each of the reels 14 aredetermined based on the selected three random number values by referringto a symbol weighting determination data. In other words, the randomnumber values are not made to correspond to each of the winningcombinations.

An establishment possibility of a bonus game trigger is 0.5%. If aplayer hits the bonus game trigger, three “APPLE” symbols are stopdisplayed on the winning line L and a bonus game is generated. In thebonus game, executed is a free game of which the number of games isdetermined by a lottery.

An establishment possibility of “JACKPOT 7” is 0.5%. If the winningcombination has been established, three “JACKPOT 7” symbols are stopdisplayed on the winning line L, and 30 coins per one coin-in are paidout. The lower the establishment possibility of the winning combinationis, the higher the number of coin-out is set. When a combination ofsymbols stop displayed is not hitting any of the winning combinationsshown in FIG. 12, this is a failure, and there is no coin-out.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a reel rotating control processing calledand executed in step S15 of the subroutine shown in FIG. 10. Thisprocessing is a processing conducted between the main CPU 41 and the subCPU 61.

The main CPU 41 transmits to the sub CPU 61 a start signal that startsthe rotating of reels (step S40). The sub CPU 61 conducts a reelrotating processing when it receives the start signal from the main CPU41 (step S51). In the processing, the sub CPU 61 supplies a pulse to themotor driving circuit 62. The pulse outputted from the sub CPU 61 isamplified by the driver 64 and supplied to each of the stepping motors70 (70L, 70C and 7OR). As a result, the stepping motors 70 rotate,thereby making the reels 14 (14L, 14C and 14R) to rotate. A steppingmotor 70 is a 1-2 phase excitation type stepping motor which has a stepangle of 0.9 degree and requires the number of steps of 400 for onerotation. Hence, if 400 pulses are supplied to the stepping motor 70,the reels 14 rotate once.

When the reels 14 start to rotate, the sub CPU 61 supplies to the motordriving circuit 62 pulses at a lower frequency, and the pulse frequencyis gradually raised. A rotational speed of the reels 14 is therebyincreased. When a predetermined time elapses, the pulse frequency iscontrolled to be constant. As a result, the reels 14 rotate at aconstant speed.

Here, description of a rotational operation of the reels 14 will begiven, by using FIG. 14.

FIGS. 14A to 14D are side views for describing a rotating operation of areel 14.

As shown in FIG. 14A, a semicircular metal plate 14a is attached to theside surface of a reel 14. The metal plate 14 a rotates together withthe reel 14. Twenty two symbols (see FIG. 3) are depicted on thecircumferential surface of the reel 14. Three symbols of the twenty twosymbols depicted on the circumferential surface of the reel 14 can bevisually recognizable through the display window 15 formed in front ofthe reel 14. The arrow mark of a heavy line in the figure indicates arotating direction of the reel 14. A proximity sensor 65 a is providedon the side of the reel 14. The proximity sensor 65 a is used to detectthe metal plate 14 a. The proximity sensor 65 a does not rotate nor moveeven if the reel 14 rotates.

FIG. 14A shows a position of the meal plate 14 a when the metal plate 14a starts being detected by the proximity sensor 65 a (hereinafter alsoreferred to as a position A). If the reel 14 rotates when the metalplate 14 a is at the position A, the metal plate 14 a moves to aposition shown in FIG. 14B. FIG. 14B shows a position of the metal plate14 a when the metal plate 14 a is being detected by the proximity sensor65 a (hereinafter also referred to as a position B). If the reel 14rotates when the metal plate 14 a is at the position B, the metal plate14 a moves to a position shown in FIG. 14C. FIG. 14C shows a position ofthe metal plate 14 a when the metal plate 14 a will no longer bedetected by the proximity sensor 65 a (hereinafter also referred to as aposition C).

If the reel 14 rotates when the metal plate 14 a is at the position C,the metal plate 14 a moves to a position shown in FIG. 14D. FIG. 14Dshows a position of the metal plate 14 a when the metal plate 14 a isnot detected by the proximity sensor 65 a (hereinafter also referred toas a position D). If the reel 14 further rotates, a position of themetal plate 14 a returns to the position A. As described above, togetherwith the rotating of the reel 14, the metal plate 14 a changes itsposition in the order from the position A, to the position B, to theposition C, to the position D, to the position A and so forth.

The proximity sensor 65 a constitutes an index detecting circuit 65 (seeFIG. 3). When it is referred to as “High” at a state where the proximitysensor 65 a detects the metal plate 14a, and as “Low” at a state wherethe proximity sensor 65 a does not detect the metal plate 14 a, a stateof the index detecting circuit 65 is “High” during the period when themetal plate 14 a moves from the position A to the position B and to theposition C, and a state of the index detecting circuit 65 is “Low”during the period when the metal plate 14 a moves from the position C tothe position D and to the position A. The sub CPU 61 assigns a rise from“Low” to “High” as an index (origin) 1 and a fall from “High” to “Low”as an index (origin) 2 to thereby recognize the rotating position of thereel 14.

The main CPU 40, after transmitting in step 40 a start signal to the subCPU 61, executes representation to be executed while the reels arerotating (step S41). The process is a processing which conducts displayof an image on the lower image display panel 16 and output of a soundfrom the speaker 29 over a period (for example, 3 seconds) determinedaccording to a result and the like of the lottery processing (step S13in FIG. 10).

Then, the main CPU 40 determines whether it is the timing at which acommand is to be issued so as to stop the rotating of the reel 14, ornot (step S42).

The timing at which a command is issued so as to stop rotation of a reel14 is a timing before the time when the representation to be executedwhile the reels are rotating is terminated, which is an interval havingthe minimum time necessary for stopping the rotating of the reel 14.Note that the minimum time necessary for stopping the rotating of thereel 14 is determined in advance.

If it is determined in step S42 that it is not the timing at which thecommand to stop the rotating of the reel 14 is to be issued, the processreturns to the processing in step S42 and there presentation to beexecuted while the reels are rotating continues to be conducted. On theother hand, if it is determined in step S42 that it is the timing atwhich the command to stop the rotating of the reel 14 is to be issued,the main CPU 41 transmits to the sub CPU 61 a code No. of the reel whichis stored in RAM 43 (step S43). When the sub CPU 61 receives a code No.of the reel from the main CPU 41, the code No. is converted to astopping position of the reel (the number of steps) from an index, basedon a correspondence table between the number or steps and the code Nos.stored in ROM (not shown in the figure) included in the sub CPU 61 (stepS52).

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing a correspondence table betweenthe number of steps and the code No. Each of the code Nos. are relatedto an index and the number of steps.

Each code No. corresponds to the symbols depicted on the circumferentialsurfaces of the reels 14 (see FIG. 3) and symbols of code Nos. “00” to“10” correspond to the index 1. Moreover, symbols of code Nos. “11” to“21” correspond to the index 2. The number of steps in thecorrespondence table shown in FIG. 15 is the number of steps with theindex 1 as a reference. For example, if a code No. is “08”, a stoppingposition of the reel is at 145 steps from the index 1. If a code No. is“12”, a stopping position of the reel is at 218 steps from the index 1.

Then, the sub CPU 61 executes a reel stopping processing (step S53). Inthe processing, the sub CPU 61 detects a rise in the index detectingcircuit 65 from “Low” to “High” (the index 1) on each of the reels 14,and supplies to the motor driving circuit 65 pulses corresponding to thenumber of steps which were converted in step S52 from a code No. at atiming at which the index 1 is detected, and supply of pulses is ceasedthereafter.

For example, when, in step S52, the stopping positions of the reels aredetermined to be 145 steps from the index 1, the sub CPU 61 supplies 145pulses to the motor driving circuit 65 at a timing at which the index 1is detected, and the supply of pulses is terminated thereafter.Furthermore, when, in step S52, the stopping positions of the reels aredetermined to be 218 steps from the index 1, the sub CPU 61 supplies 218pulses to the motor driving circuit 65 at a timing at which the index 1is detected. As a result, the reels 14 stop at the code No. determinedin step 32 of FIG. 11 and the combination of symbols corresponding tothe winning combination determined in step S32 of FIG. 11 is stopdisplayed on the winning line L. On the other hand, the main CPU 41terminates the representation to be executed while the reels arerotating. After the processing in steps S44 and S53 are over, thepresent reel rotating control processing is completed.

Moreover, when an index corresponding to the code No. transmitted instep S43 is different from an index detected by the index detectingcircuit 65 when the rotating of the reels 14 stop, this means that anout-of-order state occurred on the reels 14; therefore, the main CPU 41conducts a processing for displaying an error message on the lower imagedisplay panel 16 to temporarily stop a game.

For example, in a case where, even though a processing for stopping thereel 14L was executed at the code No. 12 corresponding to the index 2,the index 1 is detected by the index detecting circuit 65 when therotating of the reel 14L stops, the game is temporarily stopped.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a bonus game processingcalled and executed in step S16 of the subroutine shown in FIG. 10. Inthe bonus game processing, firstly, the main CPU 41 determines a numberT of bonus games from 10 to 25 games, based on a random number valueobtained by executing a random number generation program included in alottery program stored in RAM 43 (step S60). The main CPU 41 stores asdata into RAM 43 the number of games of the determined bonus games.

Next, the main CPU 41 conducts a lottery processing (step S61) and areel rotating control processing (step S63). The processing in step S61is a processing almost the same as the processing described using FIG.11. The processing in step S63 is a processing almost the same as theprocessing described using FIG. 13. Since descriptions of theseprocessing have already been given, descriptions thereof are omittedherein.

Then, the main CPU 41 determines whether a bonus game trigger has beenestablished or not, that is, whether three “APPLE” are stop displayed inthe display windows 15 or not (step S64). If it is determined that thebonus game trigger has been established, the number t of additionalgames of the bonus game is determined in a lottery (step S65) and thedetermined number t of additional games is added to the number T ofgames of the bonus game (step S66). Thus, when a bonus game is hitduring the bonus game, a remaining number of bonus games increases. Morespecifically, for example, in a case where a game state shifts to 20bonus games for the first time, and hits 17 bonus games upon conducting12 of the bonus games, another 25 bonus games (20 bonus games−12 bonusgames+17 bonus games) are to be conducted.

If a bonus game trigger has not been established, the main CPU 41determines whether a winning combination has been established or not(step S67). If it is determined that the winning combination has beenestablished, the main CPU 41 conducts payout of coins corresponding tothe number of coin-in and the winning combination (step S68). Since theprocessing is similar to the processing in step S18 and descriptionthereof has already been given, the description of the presentprocessing is omitted herein.

In a case where the processing in step S66 or S68 has been executed, orif it is determined in step S67 that any winning combination has notbeen established (if it is determined that a failure has occurred), themain CPU 41 reads the number T of bonus games stored in RAM 43, and onebonus game is subtracted from the read number T of bonus games. Thenumber T of bonus games after the subtraction is again stored into RAM43 (step S69).

Then, the main CPU 41 determines whether the number T of bonus gamesreaches the number of games determined in step S60 or not (step S70).More specifically, it is determined whether the number T of games storedin RAM 43 has become 0 or not, and if the number T of games is not 0,that is, if it is determined that the number of bonus games played doesnot reach the number of games which were determined in step S60, theprocess returns to step S61 and the above-mentioned processing isrepeated. On the other hand, if the number T of games is 0, that is, ifit is determined that the number T of games has reached the number ofgames which were determined in step S60, a number-of-games reset signalis transmitted to the control device 200 (step S71), and the presentsubroutine is completed thereafter. The number-of-games reset signalincludes the gaming machine identification information of the gamingmachine 10, and CPU 201 of the control device 200, when receiving thenumber-of-games reset signal, resets to 0 the number of games of whichis stored in the hard disc drive 205 by being made to correspond to thegaming machine identification information included in thenumber-of-games reset signal.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a return mode processingcalled and executed in step S20 of the subroutine shown in FIG. 10.

First, the main CPU 41 determines the number P of total payout in thereturn mode according to the payment balance in terms of coinstransmitted from the control device 200 as the return command signal andstored in RAM 43 (step S120). In the first embodiment, the numbercorresponding to 50% of the payment balance in terms of coins is set asthe number P of total payout in the return mode. For example, when thepayment balance in terms of coins is “−10000”, the number P of totalpayout in the return mode is set as 5000. However, when the number P oftotal payout determined according to the payment balance in terms ofcoins does not reach a predetermined lower limit value (“3000”, forexample), a predetermined number is set as the number P of total payout.

Next, the main CPU 41 extracts the image data showing the winning linefrom the image data stored in RAM 43, and displays five winning lines onthe lower image display panel 16 based on the image data (step S121).The image data showing the winning lines is contained in the gameprogram read from the memory card 53 and stored in RAM 43.

The main CPU 41 determines the image to be displayed on the lower imagedisplay panel 16. Then, the main CPU 41 transmits to the graphic board68 a depiction command based on the result determined. In the graphicmode 68, VDP extracts from RAM 43 image data showing five winning lines,expands the data on the video RAM, produces image data for one frame andoutputs the image data to the lower image display panel 16. As a result,for example, images as shown in FIGS. 18 are displayed on the lowerimage display panel 16.

FIGS. 18 is a figure showing an example of image displayed on the lowerimage display panel when a game state shifts to the return mode (whenthe second special game state is generated). Numerical reference 15(15L, 15C and 15R) in the figures indicates display windows. L indicatesa winning lines displayed before the game state shifts to the returnmode.

On the lower image display panel 16, an image showing other than thewinning line L, two winning lines L′ crossing the three display windows15 horizontally and two winning lines L′ crossing the three displaywindows 15 obliquely.

On the lower image display panel 16, an image showing “BONUS !!”,together with two images showing fireworks are displayed. An imageshowing “TIME OF PLAY 600” is also displayed in the lower portion of thelower image display panel 16. This image is an image showing that thenumber of games reached 600).

Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not a coins is BET (stepS122). When it is determined that the coins is not BET, the processreturns to step S122. On the other hand, when it is determined that thecoins is BET, the main CPU 41 executes processing for subtracting thenumber of credit (step S123), Then, the main CPU 41 determins whetherthe spin button 23 is turned ON or not (S124). When it is determinedthat the spin button 23 is not turned ON, the process returns to stepS140. On the other hand, when it is determined that the spin button 23is turned ON, the process advances to step S125. In addition, theprocesses in steps S122 to S124 are the same processes as those in stepsS10 to S12 of the subroutine shown in FIG. 18.

In step S125, the main CPU 41 executes the random number generationprogram contained in the lottery program to select a random number valuecorresponding to each of the three reels 14 from the numerical valuerange of 0 to 255 (step S125). Then, the main CPU 41 refers to the datafor setting a payout rate outputted from the GAL 54 and stored in RAM 43and determines the code NO. (see FIG. 3) of each reel 14 based on theselected three random number values (step S126).

Next, the main CPU 41 executes reel rotating control processing (S127).Since this process is the same as that of step S14 (see FIGS. 13 to 15)of the subroutine shown in FIG. 10, its description will be omittedhere.

Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the winning combinationis established on any one of the five winning lines (step S128). When itis determined that the winning combination is not established on any oneof the five winning lines, the process returns to step S122. On theother hand, when it is determined that the winning combination isestablished on any one of the five winning lines, the main CPU 41executes coin-out of number Q corresponding to established winningcombination (step S129). The number Q is provided by multiplying apredetermined number of payout for the established winning combinationand the number of the inserted coins. In addition, when the pluralwinning combinations are established, the number Q is provided bymultiplying the determined number of payout to all of the establishedwinning combinations and the number of the inserted coins.

Then, the main CPU updates the accumulated number R of payout in thereturn mode (step S130). The accumulated number R of payout in thereturn mode is stored in RAM 43 as data and the main CPU 41 reads outthe accumulated number R of payout stored in RAM 43 in step S130 andadds the number Q to the number R and stores the given number R in RAM43.

Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the bonus game triggeris established on any one of the five winning lines (step S131). When itis determined that the bonus game trigger is not established on any oneof the five winning lines, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not theaccumulated number R of payout is equal to or more than the number P oftotal payout (step S132). When it is determined that the accumulatednumber R of payout is not equal to or more than the number P of totalpayout, the process returns to step S122. On the other hand, when it isdetermined that the accumulated number R of payout is equal to or morethan the number P of total payout, the main CPU 41 sets the return modeflag to “OFF” (step S134) and terminates this subroutine.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the bonus game trigger isestablished on any one of the five winning lines in step S131, the bonusgame processing (see FIG. 16) is executed (step S133). Then the main CPU41 sets the return mode flag to “OFF” (step S134), and terminates thissubroutine. In addition, when the processing in FIG. 17 is completed,the number of winning lines becomes one again and the normal game iscontinued to be played.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a counting processing called and executedin step S22 of the subroutine shown in FIG. 10.

The processing is a processing conducted between the main CPU 41 of agaming machine 10 and CPU 201 of the control device 200.

To begin with, the main CPU 41 transmits by the communication interface44 the number of coin-in and the number of coin-out stored in RAM 43together with the gaming machine identification number to the controldevice 200 through the communication line 101 (step S90). The number ofcoin-in and the number of coin-out transmitted to the control device 200from the gaming machine 10 are those of the game concerned.

The processing in step S90 is a processing in which the main CPU 41(processing device) transmits the identification information of thegaming machine 10 stored in the main RAM 43 (storage device) to thecontrol device 200 through the communication line 101, each time a gameis played. When the processing in step S90 is executed, the main CPU 41functions as means for transmitting the identification information ofthe gaming machine 10 to the control device 200 through thecommunication line 101.

On the other hand, the CPU 201 of the control device 200, when receivingfrom the gaming machine 10 the number of coin-in, the number of coin-outand the gaming machine identification number through the communicationline 101 by the communication interface 204, updates the number ofgames, the accumulative number of coin-in and the accumulative number ofcoin-out corresponding to the received gaming machine identificationnumber (step S100), by choosing the data, which are made to correspondto each of the gaming machine identification numbers, of the number ofgames, the accumulative number of coin-in, the accumulative number ofcoin-out stored in the hard disc drive 205 (see FIG. 6).

Then, CPU 201 determined whether the number of games after the updatinghas reached the set value or not (step S101). If it is determined thatthe number of games after the updating has not reached the set value,the subroutine is terminated.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S101 that the number ofgames after the updating has reached the set value, the CPU 201transmits a return command signal showing the payment balance in termsof coins (step S103). Then, the CPU 201 resets to 0 the number of gamesstored in hard disc drive 205 by being associated with identificationinformation of each of the gaming machines 10 (step S104).

When the main CPU 41 of the gaming machine 10 receives the returncommand signal transmitted from the control device 200 in step S103, itsets the return mode flag to “ON” (step S91). The processing in step S91is a processing for receiving the return command signal transmitted fromthe control device 200 when the number of games accumulatively countedby the control device 200 based on the identification information of thegaming machine 10 reaches the set value. Thus, the main CPU 41 functionsas means for receiving the command signal transmitted from the controldevice 200 in step S91. Then, the main CPU 41 stores the data showingthe payment balance in terms of coins contained in the return commandsignal in RAM 43 (step S92). Thereafter, the present processing isterminated.

In the present embodiment, description has been given of a case where agame state shifts to the return mode when the number of games reaches aset value (see FIG. 19). The present invention is, however, not limitedto this example. For example, in a case where the number of insertedgame media for a game played by the player is at the upper limit valuethat can be accepted in one game when the number of games reaches theset value, the second special game state may be generated (the gamestate shifts to the return mode). This is because in such a case, aplayer can be urged to insert game media up to the upper limit and afacility such as a casino and the like can increase a profit.

Moreover, in a case where the second special game state is generatedwhen the number of inserted game media is at the upper limit value, thesecond special game state may be generated not when the number of gamesreaches the set value, but when the number of inserted game media is atthe upper limit value for a game played by a player when the number ofgames in which insertion of game media is conducted to the upper limitvalue reaches a set value. This is because, in such a case, it can beprevented from a small number of game media to be inserted in a game,thereby leading to a fact that the second special game state isgenerated by the spending of only a small number of game media in total.

As described above, a gaming machine 10 according to the presentembodiment including: the main CPU 41 (processing device); RAM 43(storage device); symbol display means containing the reels 14, thestepping motor 70 and the like, is a gaming machine 10 connected throughthe communication line 101 to the control device 200 whichaccumulatively counts the number of games in each gaming machine 10 ofplural gaming machines 10, and wherein the main CPU 41 executes: aprocessing determining one winning combination selected from pluralwinning combinations determined in advance by executing a lotteryprogram stored in RAM 43 (see FIG. 11); a processing executing stopdisplay after executing change display by operating the symbol displaydevice based on a result of executing the lottery program(see FIGS. 13to 15); a processing reading from RAM 43 a program for generating abonus game (the first special game state) when a combination of theplural symbols stop displayed on winning line is a special winningcombination, “bonus game trigger”, and executing the program (see FIG.16); a processing transmitting through the communication line to thecontrol device 200 the identification information of the gaming machine10 stored in RAM 43 each time a game is played (step S90 in FIG. 19); aprocessing for receiving a command signal transmitted from the controldevice when a condition that the number of games accumulatively counted,based on the identification information of the gaming machine, by thecontrol device 200 reaches a set value is established (step S91 in FIG.19); and a processing reading from RAM 43 a program for executing thetransition to the return mode (the generating of the second special gamestate) in which the number of winning lines is increased to 5 based onthe command signal, and executing the program (see FIG. 17).

A gaming machine 10 connected through the communication line 101 to thecontrol device 200 which accumulatively counts the number of games foreach gaming machine 10 of plural gaming machines 10, comprising: winningcombination determination means (for example, the main CPU 41) fordetermining a winning combination by lottery; symbol display means (forexample, the reels 14, the stepping motor 70 and the like) for executingchange display and stop display based on a result of executing thelottery program; means (for example, the main CPU 41) for generating abonus game (the first special game state) when combination of the pluralsymbols stop displayed on winning line is a special winning combination,“bonus game trigger”; means (for example, the main CPU 41) fortransmitting the identification information of the gaming machine 10through the communication line 101 to the control device 200 each time agame is played; means (for example, the main CPU 41) for receiving acommand signal transmitted from the control device 200 when a conditionthat the number of games accumulatively counted by the control device200 based on the identification information of the gaming machinereaches a set value is established; and means (for example, the main CPU41) for generating the second special game state in which the number ofwinning lines is increased to 5 based on the command signal.

According to the gaming machine 10, a game state shifts to the returnmode without fail by receiving a command signal transmitted from thecontrol device 200 when the number of games counted in the controldevice 200 reaches a set value. Since establishment possibility that thecombination of the plural symbols stop displayed on the winning line isthe special winning combination becomes high by increasing the number ofwinning lines, the bonus game is likely to be generated. Therefore, evenif the first special game state is not generated for a long period oftime leading to the spending of many of the game media, a game stateshifts to the return mode as long as the game is played such that thenumber of games reaches the set value, thus a player can plays the gamein advantageous state. As a result, it can be prevented for a player whohas spent many of the game media from feeling unpleasant against thegame, building up distrust thereto, or losing interest in or a concernon the game.

The gaming machine 10 according to the first embodiment is connectedthrough the communication line 101 to the control device 200 and thecontrol device 200 counts a number of games in the gaming machine 10,and determines whether a game state is to be shifted to the return modeor not (whether the second special game state is to be generated ornot). The gaming machine 10 is, however, not necessarily required to bethose using a network and may be standalone.

A stand-alone gaming machine 10 according to the present embodimentincludes: the main CPU 41 (processing device); RAM 43 (storage device);symbol display device containing the reels 14, the stepping motor 70 andthe like, wherein the main CPU 41 executes: a processing determining onewinning combination selected from plural winning combinations determinedin advance by executing a lottery program stored in RAM 43; a processingexecuting stop display after executing change display by operating thesymbol display device based on a result of executing the lottery program(see FIGS. 13 to 15); a processing reading from RAM 43 a program forgenerating a bonus game (the first special game state) when combinationof the plural symbols stop displayed on winning line is a specialwinning combination, “bonus game trigger”, and executing the program; aprocessing counting accumulatively the number of games each time a gameis played; a processing determining whether or not a condition that thenumber of games reaches the set value has been established; and aprocessing reading from the storage device a program for executing thetransition to the return mode (generating a second special game state)in which the number of winning lines is relatively increased when saidcondition is determined to have been established, and executing theprogram.

The gaming machine 10 comprises: winning combination determining means(for example, the main CPU 41) for determining a winning combination bya lottery; symbol display means (for example, the reels 14, the steppingmotor 70 and the like) for executing change display and stop display ofplural symbols based on a result of the lottery; means (for example, themain CPU 41) for generating a bonus game (the first special game state)when combination of the plural symbols stop displayed on winning line isa special winning combination, “bonus game trigger”; means (for example,the main CPU 41) for counting accumulatively the number of games eachtime a game is played; means (for example, the main CPU 41) fordetermining whether or not a condition that the number of games reachesthe set value has been established; and means (for example, the main CPU41) for executing the transition to the return mode (generation of thesecond special game state) in which the number of winning lines isincreased to 5 when said condition is determined to have beenestablished.

In addition, in the gaming machine 10 according the first embodiment,although the transition to the return mode (generation of the secondspecial game state) is executed when the number of games reached the setvalue, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

When the payment balance in terms of coins becomes equal to or below theset value, the transition to the return mode (generation of the secondspecial game state) may be executed in the gaming machine 10 of thepresent invention.

Such a gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment including:the main CPU 41 (processing device); RAM 43 (storage device); symboldisplay device containing the reels 14, the stepping motor 70 and thelike, is a gaming machine 10 connected through the communication line101 to the control device 200 which accumulatively counts the paymentbalance in terms of the game media in each gaming machine 10 of pluralgaming machines 10, and wherein the main CPU 41 executes: a processingdetermining one winning combination selected from plural winningcombinations determined in advance by executing a lottery program storedin RAM 43; a processing executing stop display after executing changedisplay by operating the symbol display device based on a result ofexecuting the lottery program; a processing reading from RAM 43 aprogram for generating a bonus game (the first special game state) whencombination of the plural symbols stop displayed on winning line is aspecial winning combination, “bonus game trigger”, and executing theprogram; a processing transmitting through the communication line to thecontrol device 200 the payment balance in terms of the game mediatogether with the identification information of the gaming machine 10stored in RAM 43 each time a game is played (step S90 in FIG. 19); aprocessing for receiving a command signal transmitted from the controldevice when a condition that the payment balance in terms of the gamemedia accumulatively counted, based on the identification information ofthe gaming machine by the control device 200 becomes equal to or below aset value is established(step S91 in FIG. 19); and a processing readingfrom RAM 43 a program for executing the transition to the return mode(generation of the second special game state) in which the number ofwinning lines is increased to 5 based on the command signal, andexecuting the program (see FIG. 17).

A gaming machine 10 connected through the communication line 101 to thecontrol device 200 which accumulatively counts the payment balance interms of the game media for each gaming machine 10 of plural gamingmachines 10 comprising: winning combination determination means (forexample, the main CPU 41) for determining a winning combination bylottery; symbol display means (for example, the reels 14, the steppingmotor 70 and the like) for executing change display and stop displaybased on a result of executing the lottery program; means (for example,the main CPU 41) for generating a bonus game (the first special gamestate) when combination of the plural symbols stop displayed on winningline is a special winning combination, “bonus game trigger”; means (forexample, the main CPU 41) for transmitting through the communicationline to the control device 200 the payment balance in terms of the gamemedia together with the identification information of the gaming machine10 stored in RAM 43 each time a game is played; means (for example, themain CPU 41) for receiving a command signal transmitted from the controldevice when a condition that the payment balance in terms of the gamemedia accumulatively counted, based on the identification information ofthe gaming machine by the control device 200 becomes equal to or below aset value is established; means (for example, the main CPU 41) forreading from RAM 43 a program for generating the second special gamestate in which the number of winning lines is increased to 5 based onthe command signal.

According to the gaming machine 10, a game state shifts to the returnmode without fail by receiving a command signal transmitted from thecontrol device 200 when a condition that the payment balance in terms ofthe game media accumulatively counted, based on the identificationinformation of the gaming machine by the control device 200 becomesequal to or below a set value is established. Since establishmentpossibility that the combination of the plural symbols stop displayed onthe winning line is the special winning combination becomes high byincreasing the number of winning lines, the bonus game is likely to begenerated. Therefore, even if the bonus game is not generated for a longperiod of time leading to the spending of many of the game media, a gamestate shifts to the return mode as long as the game is played such thatthe payment balance in terms of the game media becomes equal to or belowthe set value, thus a player can plays the game in advantageous state.As a result, it can be prevented for a player who has spent many of thegame media from feeling unpleasant against the game, building updistrust thereto, or losing interest in or a concern on the game.

The above mentioned gaming machine 10 is connected through thecommunication line 101 to the control device 200 and the control device200 counts a number of coins in the gaming machine 10, and determineswhether a game state is to be shifted to the return mode or not (whetherthe second special game state is to be generated or not). The gamingmachine 10 is, however, not necessarily required to be those using anetwork and may be standalone.

A stand-alone gaming machine 10 according to the present embodimentincludes: the main CPU 41 (processing device); RAM 43 (storage device);symbol display device containing the reels 14, the stepping motor 70 andthe like, wherein the main CPU 41 executes: a processing determining onewinning combination selected from plural winning combinations determinedin advance by executing a lottery program stored in RAM 43; a processingexecuting stop display after executing change display by operating thesymbol display device based on a result of executing the lotteryprogram; a processing reading from RAM 43 a program for generating abonus game (the first special game state) when combination of the pluralsymbols stop displayed on winning line is a special winning combination,“bonus game trigger”, and executing the program; a processing countingaccumulatively the payment balance in terms of the game media each timea game is played; a processing determining whether or not a conditionthat the payment balance in terms of the game media becomes equal to orbelow a set value is established; and a processing reading from thestorage device a program for executing the transition to the return mode(generating a second special game state) in which the number of winninglines is relatively increased when said condition is determined to havebeen established, and executing the program.

A gaming machine 10 comprising: winning combination determination means(for example, the main CPU 41) for determining a winning combination bylottery; symbol display means (for example, the reels 14, the steppingmotor 70 and the like) for executing change display and stop displaybased on a result of executing the lottery program; means (for example,the main CPU 41) for generating a bonus game (the first special gamestate) when combination of the plural symbols stop displayed on winningline is a special winning combination, “bonus game trigger”; means (forexample, the main CPU 41) for counting accumulatively the paymentbalance in terms of the game media each time a game is played; means(for example, the main CPU 41) for determining whether or not acondition that the payment balance in terms of the game media reachesthe set value has been established; and means (for example, the main CPU41) for executing the transition to the return mode (generation of thesecond special game state) in which the number of winning lines isincreased to 5 when said condition is determined to have beenestablished.

In the gaming machine 10 in which the transition to the return mode(generation of the second special game state) is executed when thepayment balance in terms of coins becomes below the set value, it ispreferable that the main CPU 41 (processing device) executes a programfor shifting to the return mode in which the a number of coinscorresponding to the accumulatively counted number of the games is paidout. That is, it is preferable that the means for generating the secondspecial game state (for example, the main CPU 41) pays out a number ofthe game media corresponding to the accumulatively counted number of thegames in the second special game state until the second special gamestate is generated.

According to such gaming machine 10, for example, in a case where theaccumulatively counted number of the games until the game state shiftsto the return mode is “600”, 6000 coins which corresponds to 10 times ofthat number are paid out. Thus, the player can receive a profitaccording to the number of game played by the player in the secondspecial game state. As a result, it can be prevented for a player whohas spent many of the game media from feeling unpleasant against thegame, building up distrust thereto, or losing interest in or a concernon the game.

Second Embodiment

Next, a gaming machine according to a second embodiment will bedescribed.

According to the gaming machine in the second embodiment, when acondition that the accumulatively counted number of the games reaches aset value is established, the gaming machine generates a second specialgame state in which the player can play the game in an advantageous gamestate. The second special game state is a game state generated only whenthe above condition is established in the gaming machine according tothe second embodiment.

In addition, since an appearance and a hard constitution of the gamingmachine in the second embodiment is almost the same as that of thegaming machine in the first embodiment (see FIGS. 1 to 5), a descriptionfor them will be omitted here. In addition, the same numericalreferences are assigned to the elements corresponding to those in thefirst embodiment.

In addition, the processing in the gaming machine according to thesecond embodiment is almost the same as that in the gamingmachine-according to the first embodiment except for the return modeprocessing (in FIGS. 17 and 18) called and executed in step S20 in thesubroutine shown in FIG. 10. Here, a return mode process will be onlydescribed and other processings are not described.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the return modeprocessing in the second embodiment.

According to the return mode in the second embodiment, a free game isplayed. In the free game, the total number of coin-out to be paid out isdetermined at the beginning. Then, the free game is finished when thetotal number of coin-out is all paid out. However, when a bonus gametrigger is established, a predetermined number of payout is added to thetotal number of payout. Therefore, in the return mode corresponding tothe second embodiment, when the bonus game trigger is established, theplayer can get more coins. In addition, the winning combination of thesmall number of payout coins is established more often, the larger thenumber of games becomes, so that the possibility of establishment of thebonus game trigger becomes high.

The subroutine shown in FIG. 20 is executed when the main CPU 41executes a program for shifting to the return mode (generation of thesecond special game state) stored in RAM 43. The program is an exclusiveprogram for the return mode and it is executed only in the return mode.

First, the main CPU 41 determines the number P of total payout in thereturn mode based on the payment balance in terms of coins transmittedfrom a control device 200 as a return command signal and stored in RAM43 (step S200). According to the second embodiment, the numbercorresponding to 50% of the payment balance in terms of coins is set asthe number P of total payout in the return mode. For example, when thepayment balance in terms of coins is “−10000”, the number P of totalpayout in the return mode is set as 5000. However, when the number P oftotal payout determined based on the payment balance in terms of coinsdoes not reach a predetermined lower limit value (for example, 3000), apredetermined number is set as the number P of total payout.

Next, the main CPU 41 executes a random numbers generation programincluded in a lottery program to select a random number valuescorresponding to each of three reels 14 from the numerical value rangeof 0 to 255 (step S201). Then, the main CPU 41 refers to payout ratesetting data which is outputted from GAL 54 and stored in RAM 43, anddetermines, based on the selected three random number values, code Nos.(see FIG. 3) (step S202).

In addition, the payout rate setting data is an exclusive data for thereturn mode and it is used in the return mode only.

The winning combination is determined in step S202.

Here, the return mode according to the second embodiment will bedescribed.

FIG. 21 is a figure schematically showing a relation between a pluralwinning combination, establishment possibility of the winningcombination and the number of payout in the return mode according to thesecond embodiment. The establishment possibility shown in the figureshows the establishment possibility of the winning combination when thecode No. of each reel 14 is determined based on the three random numbervalues referring to the symbol weighting data. That is, the randomnumber value does not correspond to each winning combination.

Establishment possibility of the bonus game trigger is 0.5%. When thebonus game trigger is won in the return mode, the three “APPLE” symbolsare stop displayed on the winning line and the number P of payout isadded to the number P of total payout. However, the coins are not paidout and a bonus game is not generated. In addition, in the secondembodiment, the added number P of payout is previously set as 3000.

Relating to other winning combinations, the higher the establishmentpossibility becomes, the larger the number of payout becomes. Inaddition, when no winning combination is established (in case offailure), the number of payout is given by subtracting accumulatednumber R of payout in the return mode from the total number of payout.

Next, the main CPU 41 executes a rotating control processing of the reel(step S203). Since content of this processing is the same as that instep S14 of the subroutine shown in FIG. 10 (see FIGS. 13 to 15), itsdescription will be omitted.

The correspondence relationship between the plural kinds of the winningcombinations and their number of payout is stored as data in RAM 43. Thedata (referred to as the number of payout data occasionally hereinafter)is an exclusive data for the return mode, therefore, it is used onlywhen a game shifts to the return mode.

Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether a bonus game trigger has beenestablished (hit) or not, that is whether “APPLE” is stop displayed inthe display window 15 or not (step S204) If it is determined that thebonus game trigger has been established, the main CPU 41 refers to thenumber of payout data (see FIG. 21) stored in RAM 43 and determines thenumber P of payout to be added to the number P of total payout (stepS205). Then, the main CPU 41 reads out the number P of total payoutdetermined in step S200 and stored in RAM 43, adds the number P ofpayout determined in step S205 to the number P of total payout andstores the given number P of total payout in RAM 43 (step S206).

On the other hand, if it is determined that the bonus game trigger isnot established in step S204, the main CPU 41 executes coin-out ofnumber Q corresponding to established winning combination (including alost condition) (step S208). The coin-out of number Q in step S208 isdetermined by referring to the number of payout data (see FIG. 21)stored in RAM 43.

Then, the main CPU 41 updates the accumulated number R of payout in thereturn mode by adding the number Q of payout determined in step S208 tothe given accumulated number R of payout stored in RAM 43 in the returnmode, and stores it in RAM 43 (step S209).

If the processing is executed in step S206 or S209, the main CPU 41determines whether the accumulated number R of payout is equal to ormore than the number P of total payout or not (step S210). When it isdetermined that the accumulated number R of payout is not equal to ormore than the number P of total payout, the operation is returned tostep S201. On the other hand, it is determined that the accumulatednumber R of payout is equal to or more than the number P of totalpayout, the main CPU 41 sets a return mode flag to “OFF” (step S211),and terminates this subroutine.

As described above, the gaming machine 10 according to the secondembodiment including: the main CPU 41 (processing device ), and RAM 43(storage device), is a gaming machine 10 connected through thecommunication line 101 to the control device 200 which accumulativelycounts the number of games every gaming machine 10 in each gamingmachine 10 of plural gaming machines 10, and wherein the main CPU 41executes: a processing determining one winning combination selected fromplural winning combinations determined in advance by executing a lotteryprogram stored in RAM 43; a processing reading from RAM 43 a program forgenerating a bonus game (the first special game state) when a determinedwinning combination is a special winning combination, “bonus gametrigger”, and executing the program; a processing transmitting throughthe communication line to the control device 200 the identificationinformation of the gaming machine 10 stored in RAM 43 each time a gameis played; a processing for receiving a command signal transmitted fromthe control device when a condition that the number of gamesaccumulatively counted, based on the identification information of thegaming machine by the control device 200 reaches a set value isestablished; and a processing reading from RAM 43 a program forexecuting the transition to the return mode on the command signal, andexecuting the program (see FIGS. 20 and 21).

The gaming machine 10 comprises: winning combination determining means(for example, the main CPU 41) for determining a winning combination bya lottery; means (for example, the main CPU 41) for generating the firstspecial game state which is a game state advantageous to the player whenthe determined winning combination is the special winning combination;means (for example, the main CPU 41) for transmitting through thecommunication line to the control device 200 the identificationinformation of the gaming machine 10 each time a game is played; means(for example, the main CPU 41) for receiving the command signaltransmitted from the control device 200 when the condition that thenumber of games accumulatively counted by the control device 200 basedon the identification information of the gaming machine reaches the setvalue set as an object of comparison with the number of games isestablished; and means (for example, the main CPU 41) for generating asecond special game state that is a game state advantageous to a playerand is generated only when said condition is established.

According to the gaming machine 10 in the second embodiment, when acondition in which the number of games counted by the control device 200reaches the set value is established, transition to the return mode thatis the advantageous state for the player is executed. Therefore, even ifthe bonus game is not generated for a long period of time leading to thespending of many of the game media, transition of the return mode isexecuted as long as the game is played such that the number of gamesreaches the set value, thus a player can make profit for playing thegame. In addition, since the return mode is shifted only when the abovecondition is established, an impression can be made on the player that areturn is carried out as a result of playing the game until the numberof games reaches the set value, and the player take more interest in thegame. As a result, it can be prevented that the player who used manycoins feels frustrated, raises distrust, or loses interest in the game.

The gaming machine 10 according to the second embodiment is connectedthrough the communication line 101 to the control device 200 and thecontrol device 200 counts a number of games in the gaming machine 10,and determines whether a game state is to be shifted to the return modeor not (whether the second special game state is to be generated ornot). The gaming machine 10 is, however, not necessarily required to bethose using a network and may be standalone.

A stand-alone gaming machine 10 according to the present inventionincludes: the main CPU 41 (processing device) and RAM 43 (storagedevice); wherein the main CPU 41 executes: a processing determining onewinning combination selected from plural winning combinations determinedin advance by executing a lottery program stored in RAM 43; a processingreading from RAM 43 a program for generating a bonus game (the firstspecial game state) when a determined winning combination is a specialwinning combination, “bonus game trigger”, and executing the program; aprocessing for accumulatively counting the number of games each time thegame is played; a processing for determining whether a condition thatthe number of games reaches the set value is established or not; and aprocessing for reading a program for shifting to the return mode that isgenerated only in a case where the above condition is established whenit is determined that above condition is established from RAM 43, andexecuting the program.

The gaming machine 10 comprises; means (for example, the main CPU 41)for determining the winning combination by a lottery; means (forexample, the main CPU 41) for generating a first special game state thatis a game state advantageous to the player when the determined winningcombination is a special winning combination; means (for example, themain CPU 41) for accumulatively counting the number of games each timethe game is played; means for determining whether or not a conditionthat the number of games reaches the set value set as an object ofcomparison with the number of games is established; and means (forexample, the main CPU 41) for generating a second special game statewhich is a game state advantageous to the player and is generated onlywhen it is determined that the above condition is established.

In addition, in the gaming machine 10 according the second embodiment,although the transition to the return mode (generation of the secondspecial game state) is executed when the number of games reached the setvalue, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

When the payment balance in terms of coins becomes equal to or below theset value, the transition to the return mode (generation of the secondspecial game state) may be executed in the gaming machine 10 of thepresent invention.

Such gaming machine 10 including: the main CPU 41 (processing device);RAM 43 (storage device), is a gaming machine 1 connected through thecommunication line 101 to the control device 200 which accumulativelycounts the payment balance in terms of coins in each gaming machine 10of plural gaming machines 10, and wherein the main CPU 41 executes: aprocessing determining one winning combination selected from pluralwinning combinations determined in advance by executing a lotteryprogram stored in RAM 43; a processing reading from RAM 43 a program forgenerating a bonus game (the first special game state) when thepredetermined winning combination is a special winning combination“bonus game trigger”, and executing the program; a processingtransmitting through the communication line to the control device 200the payment balance in terms of coins together with the identificationinformation of the gaming machine 10 stored in RAM 43 each time a gameis played; a processing for receiving a command signal transmitted fromthe control device when a condition that the payment balance in terms ofcoins accumulatively counted by the control device 200, based on thepayment balance in terms of the coins in a game played by the playerbecomes equal to or below a set value is established; and a processingfor reading a program for shifting to the return mode from RAM 43, andexecuting the program.

In addition, the gaming machine 10 comprises: means (for example, themain CPU 41) for determining the winning combination by a lottery; means(for example, the main CPU 41) for generating a first special game statethat is a game state advantageous to the player when the determinedwinning combination is a special winning combination; means (forexample, the main CPU 41) for transmitting through the communicationline to the control device 200 the identification information of thegaming machine 10 each time a game is played; means (the main CPU 41,for example) for receiving a command signal transmitted from the controldevice 200 when a condition that the payment balance in terms of thegame media accumulatively counted by the control device 200 based on theidentification information of the gaming machine becomes below the setvalue is established; and means (for example, the main CPU 41) forgenerating a second special game state that is a game state advantageousto a player and is generated only when said condition is established.

According to the gaming machine 10, when a condition in which thepayment balance in terms of coins a counted by the control device 200becomes equal to or below the set value is established, transition tothe return mode that is the advantageous state for the player isexecuted. Therefore, even if the bonus game is not generated for a longperiod of time leading to the spending of many of the game media,transition of the return mode is executed as long as the game is playedsuch that the payment balance in terms of coins becomes equal to orbelow the set value, thus a player can make profit for playing the game.In addition, since the return mode is shifted only when the abovecondition is established, an impression can be made on the player that areturn is carried out as a result of playing the game until the paymentbalance in terms of coins becomes equal to or below the set value, andthe player take more interest in the game. As a result, it can beprevented that the player who used many coins feels frustrated, raisesdistrust, or loses interest in the game.

The gaming machine 10 is connected through the communication line 101 tothe control device 200 and the control device 200 counts the paymentbalance in terms of coins in the gaming machine 10, and determineswhether a game state is to be shifted to the return mode or not (whetherthe second special game state is to be generated or not). The gamingmachine 10 is, however, not necessarily required to be those using anetwork and may be standalone.

Such a gaming machine 10 includes: the main CPU 41 (processing device)and RAM 43 (storage device); wherein the main CPU 41 executes: aprocessing determining one winning combination selected from pluralwinning combinations determined in advance by executing a lotteryprogram stored in RAM 43; a processing reading from RAM 43 a program forgenerating a bonus game when a determined winning combination is aspecial winning combination, “bonus game trigger”, and executing theprogram; a processing for accumulatively counting the payment balance interms of coins each time the game is played; a processing fordetermining whether a condition that the payment balance in terms ofcoins becomes equal to or below the set value is established or not; anda processing for reading a program for shifting to the return mode thatis generated only in a case where the above condition is establishedwhen it is determined that above condition is established from RAM 43,and executing the program.

The gaming machine 10 comprises: winning combination determining means(for example, the main CPU 41) for determining a winning combination bya lottery; means (for example, the main CPU 41) for generating the firstspecial game state which is a game state advantageous to the player whenthe determined winning combination is the special winning combination;means (for example, the main CPU 41) for accumulatively counting thepayment balance in terms of the game media each time the game is played;means for determining whether or not a condition that the paymentbalance in terms of the game media becomes equal to or below the setvalue is established; and means for generating the second special gamestate which is a game state advantageous to the player and is generatedonly when it is determined that the above condition is established.

According to the gaming machine 10 in which the transition to the returnmode (generation of the second special game state) is executed when thepayment balance in terms of coins becomes equal to or below the setvalue, it is preferable that the main CPU 41 (processing device)executes a program to make the transition to the return mode in whichthe coins are paid out according to the accumulatively counted number ofthe games. That is, it is preferable that the means for generating thesecond special game state (the main CPU 41, for example) payouts thenumber of the game media in the second special game state according tothe accumulatively counted the number of games until the second specialgame state is generated.

According to such gaming machine 10, for example, when the number ofgames accumulatively counted until a game shifts to the return mode is“600”, 6000 coins corresponding to ten times the number of the gamemedia are paid out. Thus, the player can be received profitcorresponding to the number of games the player played in the secondspecial game state. As a result, it can be prevented for a player whohas spent many of the game media from feeling unpleasant against thegame, building up distrust thereto, or losing interest in or a concernon the game.

The description has been made of the case where the kind of the game inthe return mode is an exclusive return mode and the program for thereturn mode only is stored in RAM 43 working as the storage device inthe second embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited tothe above case.

For example, presentation in the return mode may be only for the returnmode. In this case, an exclusive presentation data for the return modeonly is stored in the storage device (for example, RAM 43). Thepresentation data includes image data, audio data, data for defining alighting pattern of a lamp or LED and the like.

In addition, a relationship between the winning combination in thereturn mode and the number of payout in terms of the game media may beused exclusively for the return mode. In this case, the number of payoutdata only for the return mode (data showing the relationship between thewinning combination and the number of payout in terms of the game media)is stored in the storage device (for example, RAM 43).

In addition, the establishment possibility of the winning combination inthe return mode may be only for the return mode. In this case, the GAL54 is configured such that only payout setting data for the return modeis outputted when predetermined data is inputted.

More specifically, according to the present invention, the followingconfiguration may be employed. For example, the mystery bonus may beexecuted in the bonus game as the first special game state, and themystery bonus in which the presentation image only for the return modeis displayed on the lower image display panel 16 may be executed in thereturn mode as the second special game state.

In addition, a free game may be executed in the bonus game as the firstspecial game state, and a free game whose presentation mode is changedwhen the remaining number of the games reaches a predetermined set valuemay be performed in the return mode as the special game state. The freegame whose presentation mode is changed when the number of the remainingnumber of the games reaches a predetermined set value includes thefollowing free game. In this free game, brightness of the lower imagedisplay panel (transparent liquid crystal panel) 16 provided in front ofthe reel 14 is increased when the remaining number of the games reaches30 games. In addition, when the remaining number of the games reaches 30games, presentation concerning the belly glass 34 may be performed bylighting or flashing the LED or the lamp, provided that the LED or thelamp is provided on the rear side of the belly glass 34.

Furthermore, in the return mode as the second special game state, only apresentation image may be changed with the establishment possibility ofthe bonus game as the first special game state and the winningcombination remaining unchanged. Furthermore, in the bonus game as thefirst special game state, only the free game may be played, and in thereturn mode as the second special game state, one game may be selectedfrom the several kinds of the games and the selected game may beperformed.

In the present embodiment, description has been given of a case where agame state shifts to the return mode when the return mode flag has beenset to the state “ON”, without other conditions being established thereafter. The present invention is, however, not limited to this exampleand, for example, a game state may shift to the return mode when apredetermined condition has been met after the return mode flag is setto the state “ON”. In such a case, the predetermined condition fortransition to the return mode is not particularly limited, and mayinclude, for example, establishment of a bonus game trigger, stopdisplay of a predetermined combination of symbols, and of the likeconditions.

In the present embodiment, description has been given of a case where agame state shifts to the return mode when the return mode flag is set tothe state “ON”, regardless of the combination of symbols stop displayedthereafter. However, the present invention is not limited to thisexample. For example, a combination of symbols corresponding to thetransition to the return mode may be set in advance and a game state mayshift to the return mode after the symbols are stop displayed in thatwinning combination.

In the present embodiment, description has been given of a case wheresymbols are stop displayed (step S14 in FIG. 10), a processing isconducted based on the stop displayed combination of symbols (steps S15to S20 in FIG. 10), and the number of games is counted (step S22 in FIG.10) thereafter. In the present invention, however, no specificlimitation is placed on a timing at which counting of the number ofgames is conducted. For example, the timing may be a timing at which BETof a coin is conducted (after step S10 or S11 in FIG. 10) or a timing atwhich the spin button is turned ON (after step S12 in FIG. 10). Thenumber of games may be counted at a predetermined timing that is in theperiod from the time when display of a change in symbol is started, tothe time when symbol sequences are stop displayed, and a processingbased on the stop displayed combination of symbols has been conducted(for example, a timing at which symbol sequences are stop displayed).Note that a timing at which a payment balance in terms of game media canbe the same as described above.

In the present embodiment, description has been given of a gamingmachine 10 in which in a case where a special winning combination,“bonus game trigger”, has been established (step S15 in FIG. 10) in theperiod from the time when the return mode flag is set to the state “ON”(step S22 in FIG. 10), to the time when transition to the return mode isconducted (step S20 in FIG. 10), transitions to the return mode isfurther conducted after the bonus game is generated (step S16 in FIG.10). That is, a gaming machine according to the present embodimentgenerates the first special game state based on the a special winningcombination, and further generates the second special game state, in acase where the special winning combination is established in the periodfrom the time when the number of games reaches a set value, to the timewhen the second special game state is generated.

However, the present invention is not limited to this example. Forexample, in a case where a special winning combination is established inthe period from the time when the number of games reaches a set value,to the time when the second special game state is generated, only thefirst special game state may be generated. In a case where the aboveembodiment is adopted, a player can earn a profit in the first specialgame state or the second special game state without fail when a game isplayed until the number of games reaches the set value. The aboveembodiment is one of the embodiments of the present invention. In a casewhere the above embodiment is adopted for the gaming machine 10, forexample, the following processing has only to be conducted instead ofthe processing shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing another example of a subroutine of a gameexecution processing. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 22, the samenumerical references are assigned to steps which conduct processingsimilar to those in the flowchart shown in FIG. 10.

After the processing in steps S10 to S14 are executed, the main CPU 41determines whether a bonus game trigger has been established or not(step S15) and if it is determined that the bonus game trigger has beenestablished, a bonus game processing is executed (step S16). Then, it isdetermined whether a return mode flag is set to the state “ON” or not(step S25) and if the return mode flag is set to “ON”, the return modeflag is set to the state “OFF” (step S26). The processing in step S21 isperformed there after and thus the present subroutine is completed.Since the other processing are processing similar to those described inFIG. 10, descriptions thereof are omitted here. In the subroutine shownin FIG. 22, after a coins is BET (step S10), in a case where it isdetermined whether the spin button 23 has been turned ON or not (stepS12), and if it is determined that the spin button has been turned ON(YES in step S12), a processing for subtracting the number of credits(step S11) may be conducted, as in the subroutine shown in FIG. 10.

A more specific description of the processing shown in FIG. 22 will begiven here with a case where a set value is 600. In a case where, instep S22, the number of games reaches 600 and a return mode flag hasbeen established, if a bonus game trigger has been established (stepS15) in the 601st game, the bonus game is generated (step S16) buttransition to the return mode is not performed (steps S25 and S26). Onthe other hand, in a case where a bonus game trigger has not beenestablished in the 601st game run, transition to the return mode isconducted (steps S19 and S20).

Hence, in a case where the processing shown in FIG. 22 is performed, abonus game is generated or transition to the return mode is performedwithout fail, when the number of games reaches a set value.

In the present invention, in a case where a special winning combinationhas been established in the period from the time when the number ofgames reaches a set value, to the time when the second special gamestate is generated, only the second special game state may be generated,or alternatively, either the first special game state or the secondspecial game state may be generated depending on a game situation andthe like.

An embodiment similar to the above-mentioned embodiment can also beadopted in a case where the second special game state is generatedaccording to a payment balance in terms of game media. In other words,in a case where a special winning combination has been established inthe period from the time when a payment balance in terms of game mediais equal to or less than a set value, to the time when the secondspecial game state is generated, only the first special game state maybe generated, only the second special game state may be generated, oreither the first special game state or the second special game state maybe generated depending on a game situation and the like.

In the return mode as the second special game state, a return situationto a player may be simply as such that a predetermined number of gamemedia is paid out as an exclusive bonus only in a case where thefollowing condition is established when the condition in which number ofgames reaches a set value is established. It may alternatively be asituation that when a condition in which the number of games reaches aset value is established, the return mode as the second special gamestate, allowing a player to have a privilege in a similar manner to thefirst special game state such as a free game, a second game, a mysterygame and the like, can be set, and a predetermined number of game mediais paid out by one of the above-mentioned game mode. However, in thiscase, it is required that the embodiment conducted in the second specialgame state is not to be conducted in the first special game state andthe payout in that embodiment is to be the special bonus only when theabove condition is established.

Both embodiments described above correspond to the second special gamestate in the present invention.

A timing at which a predetermined number of game media is paid out isnot limited to such a timing at which one game is completed and symbolsequences are stop displayed as in the mystery game described above, andfor example, game media may be immediately paid out when the number ofgames reaches a set value.

Moreover, a method for paying out a predetermined number of game mediais also not particularly limited, and for example, coins may be actuallypaid out, the number of credits may be increased, or a ticket such as aticket with a bar code may be issued.

However, in order to be able to discriminate and recognize whether aplayer is paid out by an ordinary game or a bonus game (the firstspecial game state), or by the return mode (the second special gamestate), it is necessary to perform the following way. That is, in a casewhere coins are actually paid out in mystery bonus of the return mode(the second special game state), the timing for payout is required to bedifferent from those of an ordinary game and bonus game (the firstspecial game state). Moreover, it is required that payout in an ordinarygame and a bonus game (the first special game state) is performed withactual coins and payout in the return mode (the second special gamestate) is performed with a ticket described above. With such anembodiment adopted, payout in an ordinary game and a bonus game (thefirst special game state), and payout in the return mode (the secondspecial game state) can be discriminated from each other.

Although the embodiment according to the present invention has beendescribed, the description presents only some of the specific examples,and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way andspecific constructions of each means and the like can be properlychanged in terms of design. Besides, the effects described in theembodiment of the present invention are only the most preferable effectsgenerated from the present invention and effects to be caused by thepresent invention is not limited to those described in the embodiment ofthe present invention.

1. A gaming machine comprising: winning combination determining meansfor determining a winning combination by a lottery; means for generatinga first special game state that is a game state advantageous to a playerwhen the determined winning combination is a special winningcombination; and means for, when a condition that the number of gamesaccumulatively counted each time a game is played reaches a set valueset as an object of comparison with the number of games is established,generating a second special game state that is a game state advantageousto a player and is generated only when said condition is established. 2.A gaming machine connected through a communication line to a controldevice which counts the number of games accumulatively for every gamingmachine of plural gaming machines, comprising: winning combinationdetermining means for determining a winning combination by a lottery;means for generating a first special game state which is a game stateadvantageous to a player when the determined winning combination is aspecial winning combination; means for transmitting an identificationinformation of a gaming machine to the control device through thecommunication line each time a game is played; means for receiving acommand signal transmitted from the control device when a condition thatthe number of games counted accumulatively by the control device basedon the identification information of the gaming machine reaches a setvalue set as an object of comparison with the number of games isestablished; and means for generating a second special game state thatis a game state advantageous to a player and is generated only when saidcondition is established based on the command signal.
 3. A gamingmachine comprising: winning combination determining means fordetermining a winning combination by a lottery; means for generating afirst special game state which is a game state advantageous to a playerwhen the determined winning combination is a special winningcombination; means for counting accumulatively the number of games eachtime a game is played; means for determining whether or not a conditionthat the number of games reaches the set value set as an object ofcomparison with the number of games has been established; and means forgenerating a second special game state that is a game state advantageousto a player and is generated only when said condition is determined tohave been established.
 4. The gaming machine according to claim 1,wherein the means for generating the second special game state payoutthe number of game media corresponding to the payment balance in termsof the game media which is accumulatively counted until the secondspecial game state is generated, in the second special game state. 5.The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein reception means thatcan accept for one game an insertion of game media up to a predeterminedupper limit value is provided, and the means for generating the secondspecial game state generates the second special game state in a casewhen the number of inserted game media for the game played by the playeris equal to the upper limit when a condition that the number of gamesreaches the set value is established.
 6. A gaming machine comprising:winning combination determining means for determining a winningcombination by a lottery; symbol display means for executing changedisplay and stop display of plural symbols based on a result of thelottery; means for generating a first special game state that is a gamestate advantageous to a player when combination of the plural symbolsstop displayed on winning line defined by the symbol display means is aspecial winning combination; and means for generating a second specialgame state in which the number of winning lines defined by the symboldisplay means is relatively increased when a condition that the numberof games counted accumulatively every time a game is played reaches aset value set as an object of comparison with the number of games isestablished.
 7. A gaming machine connected through a communication lineto a control device which counts the number of games accumulatively forevery gaming machine of plural gaming machines, comprising: winningcombination determining means for determining a winning combination by alottery; symbol display means for executing change display and stopdisplay of plural symbols based on a result of the lottery; means forgenerating a first special game state which is a game state advantageousto a player when combination of the plural symbols stop displayed onwinning line defined by the symbol display means is a special winningcombination; means for transmitting an identification information of agaming machine to the control device through the communication line eachtime a game is played; means for receiving a command signal transmittedfrom the control device when a condition that the number of gamescounted accumulatively by the control device based on the identificationinformation of the gaming machine reaches a set value set as an objectof comparison with the number of games is established; and means forgenerating a second special game state in which the number of winninglines defined by the symbol display means is relatively increased, basedon the command signal.
 8. A gaming machine comprising: winningcombination determining means for determining a winning combination by alottery; symbol display means for executing change display and stopdisplay of plural symbols based on a result of the lottery; means forgenerating a first special game state which is a game state advantageousto a player when combination of the plural symbols stop displayed onwinning line defined by the symbol display means is a special winningcombination; means for counting accumulatively the number of games eachtime a game is played; means for determining whether or not a conditionthat the number of games reaches the set value set as an object ofcomparison with the number of games has been established; and means forgenerating a second special game state in which the number of winninglines defined by the symbol display means is relatively increased whensaid condition is determined to have been established.
 9. A gamingmachine equipped with a processing device, a storage device, wherein theprocessing device executes: a processing determining one winningcombination selected from plural winning combinations determined inadvance by executing a lottery program stored in the storage device; aprocessing reading from the storage device a program for generating afirst special game state that is a game state advantageous to a playerwhen the determined winning combination is a special winningcombination, and executing the program; a processing reading from thestorage device a program for generating a second special game state thatis a game state advantageous to a player and is generated only in a casewhere said condition is established when a condition that the number ofgames counted accumulatively every time a game is played reaches a setvalue set as an object of comparison with the number of games isestablished.
 10. A gaming machine equipped with a processing device anda storage device, and connected through a communication line to acontrol device which counts the number of games accumulatively for everygaming machine of plural gaming machines, wherein the processing deviceexecutes: a processing determining one winning combination selected fromplural winning combinations determined in advance by executing a lotteryprogram stored in the storage device; a processing reading from thestorage device a program for generating a first special game state thatis a game state advantageous to a player when the determined winningcombination is a special winning combination, and executing the program;a processing transmitting an identification information of a gamingmachine stored in the storage device to the control device through thecommunication line each time a game is played; a processing receiving acommand signal transmitted from the control device when a condition thatthe number of games counted accumulatively by the control device basedon the identification information of the gaming machine reaches a setvalue set as an object of comparison with the number of games isestablished; and a processing reading from the storage device a programfor generating a second special game state that is a game stateadvantageous to a player and is generated only when said condition isestablished based on the command signal, and executing the program. 11.A gaming machine equipped with a processing device, a storage device,wherein the processing device executes: a processing determining onewinning combination selected from plural winning combinations determinedin advance by executing a lottery program stored in the storage device;a processing reading from the storage device a program for generating afirst special game state that is a game state advantageous to a playerwhen the determined winning combination is a special winningcombination, and executing the program; a processing counting the numberof games accumulatively each time a game is played; a processingdetermining whether or not a condition that the number of games reachesthe set value set as an object of comparison with the number of gameshas been established; and a processing reading from the storage device aprogram for generating a second special game state that is a game stateadvantageous to a player and is generated only when said condition isdetermined to have been established, and executing the program.
 12. Thegaming machine according to claim 9, wherein the processing deviceexecutes a program for generating the second special game state in whichthe number of the game media corresponding the payment balance in termsof the game media counted accumulatively until the generation of secondspecial game state is paid out.
 13. The gaming machine according toclaim 9, wherein the processing device executes a program for generatingthe second special game state in a case when the number of inserted gamemedia for the game played by the player is equal to the predeterminedupper limit of the number of inserted game media for the game played bythe player when a condition that the number of game media reaches theset value is established.
 14. A gaming machine equipped with aprocessing device, a storage device, and a symbol display device whichcan execute change display and stop display of plural symbols, whereinthe processing device executes: a processing determining one winningcombination selected from plural winning combinations determined inadvance by executing a lottery program stored in the storage device; aprocessing executing stop display after executing change display byoperating the symbol display device based on a result of executing thelottery program; a processing reading from the storage device a programfor generating a first special game state that is a game stateadvantageous to a player when combination of the plural symbols stopdisplayed on winning line defined by the symbol display means is aspecial winning combination, and executing the program; and a processingreading from the storage device a program for generating a secondspecial game state in which the number of the winning lines isrelatively increased when a condition that the number of games countedaccumulatively every time a game is played reaches a set value set as anobject of comparison with the number of games is established.
 15. Agaming machine equipped with a processing device, a storage device and asymbol display device which can execute change display and stop displayof plural symbols, and connected through a communication line to acontrol device which counts the number of games accumulatively for everygaming machine of plural gaming machines, wherein the processing deviceexecutes: a processing determining one winning combination selected fromplural winning combinations determined in advance by executing a lotteryprogram stored in the storage device; a processing executing stopdisplay after executing change display by operating the symbol displaydevice based on a result of executing the lottery program; a processingreading from the storage device a program for generating a first specialgame state that is a game state advantageous to a player whencombination of the plural symbols stop displayed on winning line definedby the symbol display means is a special winning combination, andexecuting the program; a processing transmitting an identificationinformation of the gaming machine stored in the storage device to acontrol device through the communication line every time a game isplayed; a processing receiving a command signal transmitted from thecontrol device when a condition that the number of games countedaccumulatively by the control device based on the identificationinformation of the gaming machine reaches a set value set as an objectof comparison with the number of games is established; and a processingreading from the storage device a program for generating a secondspecial game state in which the number of winning lines is relativelyincreased based on the command signal, and executing the program.
 16. Agaming machine equipped with a processing device, a storage device, anda symbol display device which can execute change display and stopdisplay of plural symbols, wherein the processing device executes: aprocessing determining one winning combination selected from pluralwinning combinations determined in advance by executing a lotteryprogram stored in the storage device; a processing executing stopdisplay after executing change display by operating the symbol displaydevice based on a result of executing the lottery program; a processingreading from the storage device a program for generating a first specialgame state that is a game state advantageous to a player whencombination of the plural symbols stop displayed on winning line definedby the symbol display means is a special winning combination, andexecuting the program; a processing counting accumulatively the numberof games each time a game is played; a processing determining whether ornot a condition that the number of games reaches the set value set as anobject of comparison with the number of games has been established; anda processing reading from the storage device a program for generating asecond special game state in which the number of winning lines isrelatively increased when said condition is determined to have beenestablished, and executing the program.
 17. A gaming machine comprising:means for giving a profit to a player based on a result of a lottery;and means for giving a profit given only in a case where the followingcondition is satisfied to the player when the number of games played bythe player satisfies a predetermined condition.
 18. A gaming machinecomprising: means for giving a profit to a player according to thecombination of symbols stop displayed on winning line based on a resultof a lottery; and means for increasing the number of the winning lineswhen the number of games played by the player satisfies a predeterminedcondition.
 19. A game control method comprising: a step for giving aprofit to a player based on a result of a lottery; and a step for givinga profit given only in a case where the following condition is satisfiedto the player when the number of games played by the player satisfies apredetermined condition.
 20. A game control method comprising: a stepfor giving a profit to a player according to combination of symbols stopdisplayed on winning line based on a result of a lottery; and a step forincreasing the number of the winning lines when the number of gamesplayed by the player satisfies a predetermined condition.
 21. A gamesystem equipped with a gaming machine and a control device, wherein thecontrol device includes: means for transmitting a signal to the gamingmachine when the number of games played by a player in the gamingmachine satisfies a predetermined condition; and the gaming machineincludes: means for giving a profit to the player based on a result of alottery; and means for giving a profit to the player only when the abovecondition is satisfied based on the signal from the control device. 22.A game system equipped with a gaming machine and a control device,wherein the control device includes: means for transmitting a signal tothe gaming machine when the number of games played by a player in thegaming machine satisfies a predetermined condition, and the gamingmachine includes: means for giving a profit to the player according tothe combination of symbols stop displayed on winning line based on theresult of a lottery, and means for increasing the number of winninglines based on the signal from the control device.